Rooted in Spanish tradition as a diminutive of Dolores, Lola historically carries a solemn meaning of “sorrow.” However, in 2025, the name has largely outgrown its somber etymology. Today, it is associated with showgirls, bunnies, and rock anthems. It is a cosmopolitan choice that travels well across borders, fitting in just as easily in Madrid as it does in Brooklyn or Los Angeles.
Verdict: Lola is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “vintage revival” style of names like Hazel or Ruby but packs a sassier punch. If you want a name that is short, easy to spell, and brimming with personality, Lola is a top-tier contender.
Lola Overview
- Meaning: Lola means “sorrow,” “precious and seductive,” “wealth,” and “beautifully feminine.”
- Gender: The name is commonly given to baby girls.
- Origin: The name is a diminutive of “Delores,” and comes as a reference to the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
- Pronunciation: “LOW-luh.”
- Popularity: The name Lola is popular. In the United States in 2021, it ranked in the top 300 names for girls, up from 752 in 2002.
- Nicknames: Elle, La, LaLa, LeeLee, Lo, LoLo.
- Variations: Aloisia, Carol, Charlotte, Delores, Lâleh, Loela, Lolita, Lolla.
- Namesakes: Carola Lola Costa, Lola Albright, Lola Beer Ebner.
What Does Lola Mean?
The meaning of Lola is layered, shifting dramatically depending on where you look on the map. Most commonly, Lola is a Spanish feminine name that means “sorrow” or “sorrows.” While this may seem somber for a bouncing baby girl, it is important to view it through a historical lens. It refers to “Our Lady of Sorrows” (the Virgin Mary), symbolizing compassion, empathy, and deep emotional depth rather than simple sadness.
However, the name has beautiful meanings elsewhere:
- In Persian/Uzbek: The name is derived from the word for “Tulip” (Laleh/Lola). In this context, the name represents spring, renewal, and natural beauty.
- In Nigeria: Among Yoruba speakers, Lola is a common short form for names ending in “lola,” such as Omolola or Damilola. Here, the suffix refers to “wealth” or “tomorrow’s wealth.”
- In Russian: It can be a diminutive of “Lolita,” which has come to mean “precious and seductive,” largely due to literary associations (1).
- In Polish: It serves as a diminutive for Karolina or Charlotte, loosely translating to “free woman” or “beautifully feminine” (2).
Where Does the Name Lola Come From?
The primary origin of Lola is Spanish. It began as a nickname for Dolores, which itself is a shortened form of the title Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows). This title for the Virgin Mary has roots in the Catholic faith and the Hebrew Bible, honoring Mary’s empathy during the crucifixion.
For centuries, naming a daughter Dolores (and calling her Lola) was a way to invoke divine protection and piety. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Lola took on a life of its own, becoming a standalone name popularized by singers, dancers, and actresses. It transitioned from the church pew to the cabaret, giving it the fiery, spirited reputation it holds today.
How Popular is the Name Lola?
Lola is what onomatologists call a “firecracker” name, it had a massive boom, a quiet period, and has exploded once again.
In the early 1900s, Lola was a staple in American nurseries. It slowly fell out of fashion mid-century as parents moved toward names like Susan and Linda. However, around the early 2000s, the “Grandma Chic” trend ignited a resurgence.
According to Social Security Administration data, Lola has firmly re-established itself as a modern favorite. It ranked in the top 300 names for girls in 2021 (3). It is currently a steady choice; it is popular enough to be recognized and loved, but not so ubiquitous that your child will be one of five Lolas in her kindergarten class.
Globally, it is a superstar. It is frequently found in the Top 100 lists in the UK, France, and Spain. It is also common in nations with Arabic roots like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan due to the floral “Tulip” connection.
How Do I Pronounce Lola?
One of Lola’s greatest assets is its simplicity. It is phonetically transparent.
- Standard Pronunciation: “LOW-luh”
The emphasis is on the first syllable. The “Lo” rhymes with “Go” and the “la” is a soft, open vowel sound. It is rarely mispronounced.
Is Lola a Boy or Girl Name?
Lola is traditionally and overwhelmingly a female name. While nicknames ending in “a” can sometimes be unisex (like Luca or Ira), Lola’s strong cultural ties to female figures in history, song, and religion keep it firmly in the girls’ camp. There is no statistically significant usage of Lola for boys in modern records.
Variations of Lola
Because Lola appears in so many distinct cultures, there are several formal names that can lead to it, or variations that tweak the sound:
- Dolores: The classic Spanish original.
- Lolita: A Spanish and Russian diminutive (use with caution due to literary associations).
- Carlota: A Spanish variation of Charlotte.
- Lâleh: The Persian variation meaning “Tulip.”
- Aloisia: A German variation.
- Loela: A unique Latin spelling.
Nicknames for Lola
Lola is already short and sweet, often acting as a nickname itself. However, parents always find a way to shorten things further. Here are common and creative options:
- Lo: The sleekest, coolest short form.
- Lolo: Playful and bouncy.
- Lulu: A vintage crossover nickname.
- Lolli: Sweet and candy-coated.
- La: A very short, punchy option.
- Elle: Derived from the “L” sound.
Names Similar to Lola
If you love the vibe of Lola, spunky, short, and retro, but aren’t fully committed, consider these alternatives that strike the same chord:
- Lila: Shares the “L” sounds and double vowels but feels slightly more floral and soft.
- Ruby: Like Lola, this is a high-energy vintage name with a bit of sass.
- Stella: Meaning “star,” it shares the Latin roots and the “ending in A” popularity.
- Cleo: Another short, punchy Greek name with a lot of history and attitude.
- Eliza: Spunky and classic, similar in energy to Lola.
- Willow: Shares the “Low” sound but has a nature-based, bohemian feel.
- Lisa: A retro pick that was the “Lola” of the 1960s.
- Raya: A modern, zesty alternative.
Middle Names for Lola
Lola is a short, vowel-heavy name, so it pairs beautifully with middle names that offer some consonant grounding or extra length.
Classic & Elegant
- Lola Katherine: Sophisticated and royal.
- Lola Beatrice: Adds a vintage literary flair.
- Lola Alice: Sweet and timeless.
- Lola Juliet: Romantic and soft.
- Lola Elizabeth: A strong, traditional anchor.
Short & Punchy
- Lola Hope: Optimistic and bright.
- Lola June: A sunny, summery combination.
- Lola Kate: Crisp and professional.
- Lola Sloane: Adds a modern, preppy edge.
- Lola Rae: Cool and musical.
Nature Inspired
- Lola Rose: The ultimate vintage floral pairing.
- Lola Wren: Quirky and avian.
- Lola Pearl: A double-vintage hit.
- Lola Sage: Earthy and grounded.
- Lola Sky: Open and airy.
Sibling Names for Lola
Lola fits into several style categories: Vintage, Latin, and Modern Energetic. Sibling names should match this lively spirit.
For a Brother
- Arlo: Matches Lola’s vowel-heavy, retro-cool vibe perfectly.
- Leo: Shares the “L” and the lionhearted energy.
- Felix: An upbeat classic that means “lucky.”
- Oscar: A rugged vintage name that pairs well with the feminine Lola.
- Julian: Soft, romantic, and Latin-rooted.
- Carlos: A nod to the Spanish heritage.
- Wyatt: A Western-style name that matches Lola’s cowgirl capabilities.
For a Sister
- Daisy: Another spunky name with a vintage feel.
- Mira: Short, international, and meaning “peace” or “wonderful.”
- Maya: Shares the global appeal and ending “a” sound.
- Ivy: Short, botanical, and snappy.
- Marlowe: A modern surname feel that shares the “Lo” sound.
- Nicola: A classic with a bit of European flair.
- Feya: Whimsical and rare.
Famous People Named Lola
Lola has been a favorite stage name for decades, meaning there is no shortage of star power attached to it.
- Lola Albright: An American singer and actress, famously the sultry singer in the TV series Peter Gunn.
- Lola Falana: An American singer, dancer, and actress known as the “First Lady of Las Vegas.”
- Lola Kirke: A modern British-American actress and musician, known for Mozart in the Jungle.
- Lola Glaudini: An American actress known for her role in Criminal Minds.
- Lola Beltrán: A legendary Mexican recording artist and actress.
- Lola Beer Ebner: A renowned Israeli fashion designer.
Lola in Pop Culture
The name Lola is arguably more famous in fiction than in real life. It is a favorite of songwriters and scriptwriters who want a character with mystery and allure.
- “Lola”: The iconic rock song by The Kinks features a distinct character named Lola.
- “Copacabana”: Barry Manilow’s hit song features Lola, a showgirl who was the star of the show.
- Lola Bunny: The sporty, confident basketball player from the Space Jam franchise.
- Charlie and Lola: The popular children’s book and TV series features Lola as the imaginative and quirky younger sister.
- Lola Martinez: A main character from the Nickelodeon show Zoey 101.
- Lola Sonner: The protagonist of the book Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (and the Lindsay Lohan movie adaptation).
FAQs About the Name Lola
What Are Common Personality Traits of a Lola?
Lolas are often perceived as charismatic, artistic, and resilient. In numerology, names associated with the number 3 (like Lola) are linked to creativity, social interaction, and joy. They are often seen as the “life of the party” but also possess the deep emotional intelligence tied to their name’s history.
Does Lola Mean Something Else in Greek?
In Greek, Lola doesn’t have a direct translation as a native word, but the name it stems from, Dolores, carries the meaning “Lady of Sorrows” which has roots in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible’s descriptions of Mary. However, strictly speaking, it is not a Greek name.
What Does Lola Mean in the Philippines?
This is a crucial distinction: In Tagalog (the language of the Philippines), “Lola” literally means “Grandmother.” Because of this, the name is rarely given to babies in the Philippines, as it is a title of respect for the elderly matriarch of the family.
Is Lola a Full Name or a Nickname?
Historically, Lola was exclusively a nickname for Dolores. However, in the 21st century, it is overwhelmingly used as a standalone full name. You can put “Lola” on the birth certificate without hesitation, though some parents still use it as a short form for Charlotte, Penelope, or Magnolia.
Is the Name Lola Religious?
The name has deeply religious Catholic roots, referring to the Virgin Mary’s sorrows. However, the modern usage of the name has become largely secular. Most people today associate it with its pop-culture references (like the Kinks song or Lola Bunny) rather than its biblical origins.
What Flower is Associated With the Name Lola?
The primary flower associated with Lola is the Tulip. This connection comes from the Persian, Uzbek, and Tajik name “Laleh” or “Lola,” which literally translates to “Tulip.” It makes Lola a wonderful hidden nature name for a spring baby.
Is Lola Considered a Vintage Name?
Yes, Lola is considered a “vintage revival” name. It follows the “100-year rule” of baby names, where names that were popular a century ago (early 1900s) come back into fashion for great-grandchildren. It fits perfectly alongside other vintage hits like Hazel, Olive, and Sadie.
Why is the Name Lola So Popular in France?
Lola has been a top name in France for many years. Its popularity there is driven by the French love for short, sweet names ending in “a” (like Lea and Manon) and its easy pronunciation. It strikes a balance between being chic and traditional, which appeals to European naming sensibilities.
