A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lovie since 1880
Babies named Lovie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lovie's real moment was 1907.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 201 | 5 |
| 1890s | 425 | 10 |
| 1900s | 540 | 6 |
| 1910s | 961 | 111 |
| 1920s | 1,024 | 121 |
| 1930s | 726 | 112 |
| 1940s | 607 | 87 |
| 1950s | 408 | 54 |
| 1960s | 226 | 61 |
| 1970s | 178 | 16 |
| 1980s | 153 | 38 |
| 1990s | 95 | 6 |
| 2000s | 125 | 0 |
| 2010s | 117 | 0 |
| 2020s | 101 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lovie is a vintage pet name that has resurfaced in recent years. Originally a term of endearment, it entered the U.S. naming records in 1880 and reached its peak rank in 1907. After decades of obscurity, the name has been rising in use since 2011, reflecting a broader revival of early 20th-century names. In 2025, it ranked 6,116th, with a rarity of 1 in 84,593 births. While no state data is available for concentration, its charm lies in its simple, affectionate meaning.
Lovie derives from the Middle English word 'love' combined with the diminutive suffix '-ie', essentially meaning 'little love' or 'beloved'. It emerged in the 19th century as a term of endearment that later became used as a given name, particularly in the American South. The name saw modest popularity in the early 1900s but declined mid-century, experiencing a recent revival.
Where Lovie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Love, Lou
Sibling names for Lovie
Names that share Lovie's style, for a brother or sister.
