MallowbyNames

Lorita

loh-REE-tah · Little Laura, a diminutive form of Laura, ultimately from Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel'.

Peak popularity
1935
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Lorita since 1902

Babies named Lorita per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1944, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lorita's real moment was 1935.

142943192019602000Most births 1944Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s12
1910s68
1920s168
1930s287
1940s310
1950s332
1960s306
1970s184
1980s63
1990s18
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Lorita is a delicate diminutive with a touch of vintage charm. First recorded in U.S. data in 1902, it reached its peak popularity in 1935, during the height of the 1930s. The name has since become rare, maintaining a stable trajectory with no recent resurgence. Lorita derives from Laura, meaning 'laurel', and was primarily used in English-speaking communities, especially among families with Hispanic or Italian influences. Its soft, melodic sound and connection to the classic Laura give it a timeless yet underused appeal.

Lorita is a diminutive of Laura, which derives from the Latin 'laurus', meaning 'laurel'. The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. The name Laura was popularized in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, and Lorita emerged as a feminine and affectionate variant, especially in the early 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lori, Lora, Rita

Variants: Larita, Loretta

Sibling names for Lorita

Names that share Lorita's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Lorita, our favorite little girl.

L is for Lorita…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Lorita's letter becomes Lorita's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Lorita's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Lorita mean?
Lorita means 'little Laura' or 'laurel', derived from the Latin 'laurus'.
How popular is the name Lorita?
Lorita has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 since the 1960s. Its peak year was 1935.
Is Lorita a girl's name?
Yes, Lorita is predominantly a feminine name.