Lorelei: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Lorelei Lee is a character in the 1925 novel “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” by Anita Loos, which was later adapted into a film starring Marilyn Monroe

Lorelei Overview

Meaning

Alluring enchantress

Gender

Girl

Origin

German

Etymology

Derived from the German words “lureln,” meaning “murmur,” and “ley,” meaning “rock,”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈlɔːrəlaɪ/

Popularity

Lorelei is a name that has seen international use, particularly in German-speaking countries and the USA. In the USA, Lorelei was ranked as the 485th most popular name for girls in 2023 .

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Mythological, Exotic, Aesthetic

Associated Traits

Alluring, enchanting, mysterious, lyrical

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

In German folklore, Lorelei is associated with a siren-like maiden who lured sailors to their doom with her singing, embodying the themes of beauty and danger (Nameberry) (Behind the Name).

Name Day

February 17th (Germany)

Lorelei Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Lorelai, Lorena, Loraine, Loreley, Lorelai

Common Nicknames

Lori, Lei, Elle, Rori, Lora

Diminutives

Lor, Lo, Rora

Famous People

Lorelei Lee
(American Writer)
Lorelei Linklater
(American Actress)
Lorelei King
(British-American Voice Actress)
Lorelei Vashti
(Australian Author)
Lorelei Travis
(American Photographer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Lorelei Gilmore
("Gilmore Girls," TV Series)
"Lorelei"
(Song by George Gershwin)
Lorelei
("Marvel Comics," Comic Series)
Lorelei Lee
("Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Film)

Places

Lorelei Rock
(Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)
Lorelei Fountain
(New York, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Lorelei?

Lorelei means “murmuring rock” or “alluring enchantress.” It’s associated with someone who is captivating and mesmerizing, often drawing people in with their charm and mystery.

What Is the Origin of The Name Lorelei?

Lorelei has roots in German folklore. The name comes from the German words “lureln,” meaning “murmur,” and “ley,” meaning “rock,” referring to a rock on the Rhine River linked to a siren who lured sailors.

Lorelei Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Lorelei in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#4472021	#4422022	#4852023
Top 3 Rankings	#4422022	#4472021	#4492015

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Lorelei

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	485 (-43 from 2022)	628 (-84 from 2022)	0.03590
2022	442 (+5 from 2021)	712 (+13 from 2021)	0.03971
2021	447 (+56 from 2020)	699 (+98 from 2020)	0.03902
2020	503 (-47 from 2019)	601 (-81 from 2019)	0.03400
2019	456 (+16 from 2018)	682 (+23 from 2018)	0.03717
2018	472 (-10 from 2017)	659 (-24 from 2017)	0.03544
2017	462 (-12 from 2016)	683 (-33 from 2016)	0.03615
2016	450 (-1 from 2015)	716 (+12 from 2015)	0.03699
2015	449 (+33 from 2014)	704 (+51 from 2014)	0.03609
2014	482 (+14 from 2013)	653 (+49 from 2013)	0.03338
2013	496 (+32 from 2012)	604 (+31 from 2012)	0.03133
2012	528 (-26 from 2011)	573 (-12 from 2011)	0.02954
2011	502 (+33 from 2010)	585 (+37 from 2010)	0.03019
2010	535 (+62 from 2009)	548 (+44 from 2009)	0.02795
2009	597 (+84 from 2008)	504 (+58 from 2008)	0.02489
2008	681 No change from 2007	446 (+15 from 2007)	0.02141
2007	681 (+53 from 2006)	431 (+51 from 2006)	0.02036
2006	734 (+75 from 2005)	380 (+60 from 2005)	0.01818
2005	809 (+156 from 2004)	320 (+72 from 2004)	0.01577
2004	965 (+54 from 2003)	248 (+22 from 2003)	0.01229
2003	1019 (+37 from 2002)	226 (+24 from 2002)	0.01126
2002	1056 (+739 from 2001)	202 (+103 from 2001)	0.01023
2001	1795 (+631 from 2000)	99 (+36 from 2000)	0.00500
2000	2426 (+565 from 1999)	63 (+19 from 1999)	0.00316
1999	2991 (+506 from 1998)	44 (+10 from 1998)	0.00226
1998	3497 (-462 from 1997)	34 (-5 from 1997)	0.00175
1997	3035 (-7 from 1996)	39 No change from 1996	0.00204
1996	3028 (+1189 from 1995)	39 (+15 from 1995)	0.00203
1995	4217 (-602 from 1994)	24 (-6 from 1994)	0.00125
1994	3615 (-677 from 1993)	30 (-10 from 1993)	0.00154
1993	2938 (-18 from 1992)	40 No change from 1992	0.00203
1992	2920 (-217 from 1991)	40 (-4 from 1991)	0.00200
1991	2703 (+96 from 1990)	44 (+3 from 1990)	0.00216
1990	2799 (+531 from 1989)	41 (+10 from 1989)	0.00200
1989	3330 (+563 from 1988)	31 (+8 from 1988)	0.00156
1988	3893 (-923 from 1987)	23 (-9 from 1987)	0.00120
1987	2970 (-550 from 1986)	32 (-9 from 1986)	0.00171
1986	2420 (-423 from 1985)	41 (-13 from 1985)	0.00222
1985	1997 (+230 from 1984)	54 (+10 from 1984)	0.00292
1984	2227 (+83 from 1983)	44 (+3 from 1983)	0.00244
1983	2310 (-360 from 1982)	41 (-13 from 1982)	0.00229
1982	1950 (-38 from 1981)	54 (-2 from 1981)	0.00298
1981	1912 (+69 from 1980)	56 (+3 from 1980)	0.00313
1980	1981 (-336 from 1979)	53 (-15 from 1979)	0.00298
1979	1645 (-172 from 1978)	68 (-9 from 1978)	0.00395
1978	1473 (+164 from 1977)	77 (+13 from 1977)	0.00468
1977	1637 (-172 from 1976)	64 (-7 from 1976)	0.00389
1976	1465 (+106 from 1975)	71 (+8 from 1975)	0.00452
1975	1571 (-18 from 1974)	63 (+1 from 1974)	0.00404
1974	1553 (+234 from 1973)	62 (+14 from 1973)	0.00396
1973	1787 (-89 from 1972)	48 (-4 from 1972)	0.00309
1972	1698 (+11 from 1971)	52 (-1 from 1971)	0.00322
1971	1709 (-320 from 1970)	53 (-22 from 1970)	0.00302
1970	1389 (-189 from 1969)	75 (-11 from 1969)	0.00409
1969	1200 (+89 from 1968)	86 (+13 from 1968)	0.00488
1968	1289 (-243 from 1967)	73 (-24 from 1967)	0.00427
1967	1046 (-24 from 1966)	97 (-5 from 1966)	0.00565
1966	1022 (-56 from 1965)	102 (-11 from 1965)	0.00581
1965	966 (+145 from 1964)	113 (+16 from 1964)	0.00618
1964	1111 (-128 from 1963)	97 (-20 from 1963)	0.00496
1963	983 (+49 from 1962)	117 (+8 from 1962)	0.00589
1962	1032 (+4 from 1961)	109 (-2 from 1961)	0.00538
1961	1036 (-35 from 1960)	111 (-4 from 1960)	0.00534
1960	1001 (+4 from 1959)	115 (+5 from 1959)	0.00553
1959	1005 (-36 from 1958)	110 (-4 from 1958)	0.00529
1958	969 (-118 from 1957)	114 (-28 from 1957)	0.00552
1957	851 (-5 from 1956)	142 (+5 from 1956)	0.00677
1956	846 (-37 from 1955)	137 (-6 from 1955)	0.00665
1955	809 (-109 from 1954)	143 (-33 from 1954)	0.00713
1954	700 (+72 from 1953)	176 (+35 from 1953)	0.00884
1953	772 (+91 from 1952)	141 (+27 from 1952)	0.00731
1952	863 (-11 from 1951)	114 (+3 from 1951)	0.00599
1951	852 (+164 from 1950)	111 (+30 from 1950)	0.00601
1950	1016 (+61 from 1949)	81 (+12 from 1949)	0.00461
1949	1077 (+8 from 1948)	69 (+2 from 1948)	0.00393
1948	1085 (+85 from 1947)	67 (+8 from 1947)	0.00384
1947	1170 (+136 from 1946)	59 (+15 from 1946)	0.00325
1946	1306 (-175 from 1945)	44 (-4 from 1945)	0.00273
1945	1131 (+162 from 1944)	48 (+10 from 1944)	0.00357
1944	1293 (-65 from 1943)	38 (-5 from 1943)	0.00278
1943	1228 (-364 from 1942)	43 (-36 from 1942)	0.00300
1942	864 (-66 from 1941)	79 (-3 from 1941)	0.00568
1941	798 (+146 from 1940)	82 (+24 from 1940)	0.00658
1940	944 (-192 from 1939)	58 (-25 from 1939)	0.00491
1939	752 (-135 from 1938)	83 (-38 from 1938)	0.00732
1938	617 (+834 from 1937)	121 (+95 from 1937)	0.01060
1937	1451 (+1070 from 1936)	26 (+15 from 1936)	0.00236
1936	2521 (-426 from 1935)	11 (-4 from 1935)	0.00102
1935	2095 (-324 from 1934)	15 (-4 from 1934)	0.00138
1934	1771 (+64 from 1933)	19 (+1 from 1933)	0.00176
1933	1835 (+121 from 1932)	18 (+1 from 1932)	0.00172
1932	1956 (-15 from 1931)	17 No change from 1931	0.00154
1931	1941 (-442 from 1930)	17 (-10 from 1930)	0.00154
1930	1499 (-255 from 1929)	27 (-9 from 1929)	0.00231
1929	1244 (-250 from 1928)	36 (-20 from 1928)	0.00311
1928	994 (+1101 from 1927)	56 (+38 from 1927)	0.00468
1927	2095 (+162 from 1926)	18 (+2 from 1926)	0.00146
1926	2257 (+1770 from 1925)	16 (+9 from 1925)	0.00130
1925	4027 (+417 from 1922)	7 (+1 from 1922)	0.00055
1924	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1923	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1922	4444 (-1280 from 1921)	6 (-4 from 1921)	0.00048
1921	3164 (+1811 from 1920)	10 (+5 from 1920)	0.00078
1920	4975 (-558 from 1916)	5 No change from 1916	0.00040
1919	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1918	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1917	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1916	4417 First SSA data recorded	5 First SSA data recorded	0.00046
1915	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1914	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1913	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1912	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1911	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1910	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1909	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1908	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1907	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1906	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1905	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1904	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1903	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1902	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1901	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1900	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1899	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1898	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1897	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1896	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1895	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1894	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1893	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1892	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1891	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1890	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1889	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1888	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1887	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1886	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1885	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1884	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1883	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1882	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1881	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1880	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Lorelei

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#8892021

#7722022

#9132023

Texas (TX)

#4712021

#4542022

#5592023

New York (NY)

#5212021

#6532022

#6892023

Illinois (IL)

#3842021

#3162022

#4232023

Florida (FL)

#4772021

#5202022

#4782023

Ohio (OH)

#3462021

#3552022

#3572023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#4092021

#4072022

#4872023

Michigan (MI)

#3322021

#3922022

#6292023

Virginia (VA)

#4062021

#4412022

#3452023

North Carolina (NC)

#3762021

#3042022

#3472023

Wisconsin (WI)

#2792021

#2762022

#2272023

Washington (WA)

#3792021

#3772022

#3542023

Indiana (IN)

#3562021

#2792022

#3482023

Georgia (GA)

#4702021

#6002022

#6332023

Tennessee (TN)

#3342021

#2782022

#4282023

Missouri (MO)

#2912021

#2632022

#3162023

New Jersey (NJ)

#6192021

#5332022

#7122023

Minnesota (MN)

#7372021

#5392022

#3802023

Colorado (CO)

#2992021

#4252022

#3552023

Massachusetts (MA)

#6312020

#6392022

#6382023

Kentucky (KY)

#2392021

#4082022

#4552023

Maryland (MD)

#8662020

#5612021

#5872023

Arizona (AZ)

#7892021

#4732022

#5002023

Oklahoma (OK)

#3792021

#4352022

#7782023

South Carolina (SC)

#4112021

#3922022

#4212023

Alabama (AL)

#3272021

#4602022

#6722023

Louisiana (LA)

#6302021

#5032022

#6012023

Kansas (KS)

#4242020

#3322021

#4272022

Oregon (OR)

#3132021

#5122022

#3932023

Iowa (IA)

#5442020

#2962022

#3342023

Connecticut (CT)

#5542018

#5752020

#3192023

Arkansas (AR)

#4572020

#5562021

#3612023

Nebraska (NE)

#4762021

#2102022

#4562023

West Virginia (WV)

#3102019

#2272021

#1912023

Utah (UT)

#3372016

#6452018

#7932021

Hawaii (HI)

#2841967

#2051970

#2401974

Nevada (NV)

#5062018

#5852020

#3982022

Idaho (ID)

#3632019

#2792020

#3502022

New Mexico (NM)

#2832018

#3192019

#3772021

New Hampshire (NH)

#1222017

#2342018

#2552023

Maine (ME)

#2532009

#2102014

#1502019

Mississippi (MS)

#5332016

#6142018

#5352019

Rhode Island (RI)

#2192015

#1912023

Montana (MT)

#2831957

#2472014

District of Columbia (DC)

#2912016

South Dakota (SD)

#2502016

Popularity Rankings for Lorelei in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#7342004

#8672010

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#7522014

#8962018

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#8552017

#9522018

#8062019

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#10712020

#8872021

#10742022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Lorelei a Name for Boys or Girls?

Commonly, Lorelei is a girl’s name, reflecting the traits of the legendary siren who was both enchanting and mysterious, fitting the traditional female archetype.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Lorelei

Meaning: Alluring enchantress
Origin: GermanLorelai
Lorena
Loraine
Loreley
Meaning: Alluring enchantress
Origin: GermanLorelai

Lori
Lei
Meaning: Woman, girl, she
Origin: FrenchElle
Rori
Lora

Lor
Lo
Rora

Lorelei in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Lorelei Lee (Writer, born 1981): An American writer and advocate, who has authored numerous articles and essays on sex work and feminism.
Lorelei Linklater (Actress, born 1994): An American actress, best known for her role in the critically acclaimed film "Boyhood."
Lorelei King (Voice Actress, born 1953): A British-American voice actress who has lent her voice to many popular characters in animation and video games.
Lorelei Vashti (Author, born 1978): An Australian author, recognized for her engaging memoirs and non-fiction works.
Lorelei Travis (Photographer, 1967-2020): An American photographer, celebrated for her captivating landscape and portrait photography.

Lorelei Gilmore ("Gilmore Girls," 2000 TV Series): A fast-talking single mother raising her daughter in the quirky town of Stars Hollow.
"Lorelei" (1933 Song by George Gershwin): A classic song about a captivating siren.
Lorelei ("Marvel Comics," 1973 Comic Series): An Asgardian enchantress and sister of the sorceress Amora.
Lorelei Lee ("Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," 1953 Film): A charming and ditzy showgirl with a love for diamonds.
"Lorelei" (2020 Film): A drama about a man reuniting with his high school girlfriend after being released from prison.
"Lorelei's Secret" (2005 Novel): A mystery novel revolving around a woman's hidden past.

Lorelei Rock (Rhine River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany): A steep rock on the right bank of the Rhine River famous for its echo and folklore.
Lorelei Fountain (Bronx, New York, USA): A decorative fountain in Joyce Kilmer Park featuring a sculpture of the mythical Lorelei.
Lorelei Lake (Saskatchewan, Canada): A serene lake surrounded by natural beauty and offering fishing opportunities.
Lorelei Road (Houston, Texas, USA): A residential street located in a suburban neighborhood.
Lorelei Beach (Berlin, Germany): An urban beach along the Spree River offering relaxation and recreational activities.
Lorelei Park (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia): A local park providing green space, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Lorelei Building (St. Louis, Missouri, USA): A historic building in the Soulard neighborhood, part of the area's rich architectural heritage.

Laurel
Liora
Loralinda
Lorraine

Meaning: Tranquil, calm, serene
Origin: LatinSerena
Calypso
Ondine
Melisande
Nerissa

Sibling Names for Lorelei

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Lorelei Also Like

Lorelei, with its enchanting backstory and timeless appeal, is a name that stands out. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let’s catch up again soon!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Lorelei Name Meaning