The name Lorraine is of French origin and means "from the region near Laon," which was a historic province in northeastern France. The name is derived from the Latin word "Laurensium," which refers to the city of Laon, located in the Aisne department of France.
Lorraine has been used as a given name for females since the Middle Ages, but it became particularly popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often used to honor the French region or to express admiration for its cultural heritage. Some notable figures with the name Lorraine include American actresses Loretta Young and Lorraine Bracco.
In literature and popular culture, Lorraine has been featured in various works, such as the poem "Lorraine" by Edgar Allan Poe, which was inspired by the French region's beauty. Additionally, the name has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and songs, further contributing to its familiarity and recognition.
Today, Lorraine remains a classic yet distinctive name choice for girls, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and elegance. It continues to be associated with the timeless charm and sophistication that the French region of Lorraine embodies.
The name Lorraine has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1901 and 1968, there were a total of 935 babies named Lorraine at birth.
The peak years for the name Lorraine appeared to be between 1917 and 1929, with the highest number of births occurring in 1929, when there were 31 baby girls named Lorraine. This was followed by 40 births in 1930.
However, after the 1930s, the popularity of the name Lorraine began to decline steadily. There were fewer than 20 births each year between 1933 and 1968, with some years seeing as few as five births.
Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in the popularity of the name Lorraine in 1964, with 16 babies born that year being named Lorraine. However, this spike was short-lived, and the name's popularity continued to decline thereafter.
Overall, while the name Lorraine has not been particularly popular in recent decades, it has a notable history in the United States, with a significant number of baby girls receiving this name between 1901 and 1968.