Lola is a charming and unique female name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "loba," which means "she-wolf." Despite its fierce-sounding meaning, Lola is often associated with warmth, vibrancy, and femininity.
The name Lola gained popularity in the late 19th century due to the success of a popular Spanish song called "Los Piconeros," which features a character named Lola. This song was later adapted into an opera by French composer François Elkainsky, further popularizing the name throughout Europe.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Lola. One famous bearer is Lola Montez, a controversial Irish dancer and actress who gained notoriety in the mid-19th century for her scandalous lifestyle and relationships with prominent European men. Her fame contributed to the spread of the name Lola across Europe.
Another well-known Lola is Lola Falana, an American singer, dancer, and actress who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her energetic performances and became a symbol of African-American culture during that time.
Today, Lola continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their daughter. It has also become increasingly common as a unisex name in some cultures. Regardless of its meaning or origin, the name Lola carries an air of mystique and allure that has captivated people for generations.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Lola:
From 1880 to around 1960, the number of babies named Lola was relatively stable, ranging from approximately 138 births in 1880 to a peak of 651 births in 1951.
However, beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Lola. In fact, between 1967 and 1974, the number of babies named Lola fell from 186 to just 152 births.
But then came an unexpected resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. From 1999 to 2003, the number of babies named Lola increased dramatically, from 72 births to a peak of 843 births in 2005.
Since then, the popularity of the name Lola has remained relatively high, with over 1,000 births per year between 2006 and 2013. However, there has been a slight decline in recent years, with around 1,200 births per year from 2014 to 2023.
Overall, the name Lola has seen several periods of popularity and decline over the past century. Despite its ups and downs, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents today.