A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lula since 1880
Babies named Lula per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lula's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 8,882 |
| 1890s | 10,238 |
| 1900s | 9,518 |
| 1910s | 13,930 |
| 1920s | 16,317 |
| 1930s | 11,077 |
| 1940s | 7,332 |
| 1950s | 3,819 |
| 1960s | 1,373 |
| 1970s | 501 |
| 1980s | 210 |
| 1990s | 116 |
| 2000s | 290 |
| 2010s | 976 |
| 2020s | 669 |
Meaning & origin
Lula had its moment in the limelight in the late 19th century, peaking at number 1927 in 1882, when it was one of the top names for girls in southern states like Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. After decades of decline, the name has been climbing the charts again since 1997, part of a revival of vintage names from the 1880s. Today, Lula is once again a fresh alternative for parents seeking an old-fashioned, two-syllable name with a soft, melodic sound. With a current 1 in 16,073 frequency, it remains rare but steady, appealing to those drawn to its simplicity and Southern charm.
The origin of Lula is unclear. It may have emerged as a diminutive or variant of names containing the element 'lu', such as Louise (from Germanic 'hlud', meaning 'famous') or Luella (a blend of Louise and Ella). Alternatively, some sources suggest a connection to the Arabic 'lu'lu' meaning 'pearl', though this is less likely given the name's usage in English-speaking countries. Lula first appeared in the United States in the 1880s and reached peak popularity in 1882, before declining in the 20th century. It has experienced a revival since the late 1990s.
Where Lula 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.
“Lula” around the world
Where Lula lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lulu, Lou
Sibling names for Lula
Names that share Lula's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mabel, Clara, Nora, Ruby, Etta, Arlie, Della, Dessie, Doretha, Effie, Essie, Eulah, Gussie, Lessie, Mattie, Mayme, Mertie, Mozella, Nannie, Pearlie, Sallie, Vergie, Virgie, Carry, Classie, Delsie, Etha, Loma, Mallie, Myrtie, Rella, Sudie, Tennie, Vallie, Vennie, Veola, Verdie, Vertie, Zula, Bama, Beuna, Birda, Buna, Clydie, Dellar, Docia, Donie, Dosha, Doshie, Elzora, Fannye, Fleeta, Fronia, Hessie, Lemmie, Luevenia, Lular, Lutie, Maudell, Monie, Nanie, Nealie, Nobie, Pearlean, Pecolia, Reather, Roena, Vassie, Vicie, Vinie, Virda, Virdie, Wanza, Zollie, Anola, Climmie, Doshia, Eular, Fronnie, Guyla, Jemmie, Lattie, Laverle, Lutisha, Mirtie, Okla, Oletta, Saidee, Tiney, Wreatha, Quilla, Rubena, Arthella, Axie, Berda, Clevie, Deltha, Dicy, Dula, Earma, Ermie, Eulamae, Laberta, Ocia, Parrie, Rebie, Suda, Wavie
Brothers: Otis, Elmer, Roy, Walter, Earl, Dock, Odis, Otha, Ozie, Roscoe, Willie, Arvil, Junious, Lugene, Manley, Minor, Mozell, Ozell, Alvester, Burney, Captain, Curlee, Doss, Hulen, Oddie, Oree, Orrie, Pinkney, Ples, Burrel, Delmus, Elzy, Mingo, Oather, Odies, Papa, Trampus, Wadell, Arvle, Bubber, Cleatus, Governor, Gurnie, Offie
