Lulu is a name that exudes sweetness and lightheartedness. It’s a name that feels both classic and modern, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a short, memorable, and undeniably adorable moniker for their little girl. But how popular is the name Lulu, and what’s behind its enduring appeal? Let’s delve into the history, meaning, and popularity trends of this charming name.
The Meaning and Origins of Lulu
While often used as a nickname, Lulu can stand on its own as a given name. The name’s origins are somewhat varied, adding to its international appeal.
- Germanic Roots: In German, Lulu is often considered a diminutive of names like Louise or Luise, which mean "famous warrior." This association imbues the name with a subtle strength and resilience.
- Latin Connection: Lulu is also linked to Latin roots, where it’s associated with the word "lux," meaning "light." This connection gives the name a radiant and optimistic quality.
- French Flair: In French, Lulu can be seen as a pet name, carrying a sense of endearment and affection.
The combined effect of these origins is a name that suggests both inner strength and a sunny disposition.
Lulu Name Popularity
How popular is the name Lulu? Here’s a look at its historical trends in the United States, based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA):
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 410 | 58 | 0.0165% |
| 1911 | 573 | 23 | 0.0062% |
| 1912 | 446 | 71 | 0.0141% |
| 1913 | 567 | 44 | 0.0078% |
| 1914 | 449 | 105 | 0.0151% |
| 1915 | 498 | 113 | 0.0124% |
| 1916 | 476 | 139 | 0.0144% |
| 1917 | 523 | 119 | 0.0119% |
| 1918 | 532 | 128 | 0.0119% |
| 1919 | 519 | 131 | 0.0125% |
| 1920 | 573 | 115 | 0.0103% |
| 1921 | 614 | 101 | 0.0088% |
| 1922 | 694 | 70 | 0.0063% |
| 1923 | 646 | 87 | 0.0078% |
| 1924 | 801 | 51 | 0.0044% |
| 1925 | 761 | 57 | 0.005% |
| 1926 | 741 | 59 | 0.0054% |
| 1927 | 749 | 56 | 0.0051% |
| 1928 | 1,042 | 21 | 0.002% |
| 1929 | 1,059 | 18 | 0.0017% |
| 1930 | 941 | 27 | 0.0026% |
| 1931 | 921 | 24 | 0.0024% |
| 1932 | 956 | 22 | 0.0022% |
| 1933 | 1,523 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1934 | 878 | 26 | 0.0027% |
| 1935 | 680 | 55 | 0.0057% |
| 1936 | 720 | 47 | 0.0049% |
| 1937 | 1,288 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1938 | 918 | 26 | 0.0025% |
| 1939 | 1,089 | 15 | 0.0015% |
| 1940 | 1,171 | 12 | 0.0011% |
| 1941 | 1,327 | 8 | 0.0007% |
| 1942 | 1,724 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1943-1949 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1950 | 1,637 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1951-1957 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1958 | 1,974 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1959 | 1,567 | 16 | 0.0008% |
| 1960-1967 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1968 | 2,321 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1969-1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3,429 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3,611 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2001 | 3,159 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2002 | 3,509 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2003 | 3,985 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2004 | 2,770 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 2005 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2006 | 3,427 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2007 | 2,557 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 2008 | 2,519 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 2009 | 2,709 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2010 | 2,727 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 2011 | 2,598 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2012 | 2,739 | 13 | 0.0009% |
| 2013 | 2,578 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2014 | 2,865 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 2015 | 2,631 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 2016 | 2,410 | 20 | 0.0014% |
| 2017 | 2,491 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2018 | 2,088 | 26 | 0.0019% |
| 2019 | 2,162 | 23 | 0.0017% |
| 2020 | 3,144 | 15 | 0.0012% |
| 2021 | 3,038 | 16 | 0.0013% |
| 2022 | 2,542 | 29 | 0.0022% |
| 2023 | 2,998 | 20 | 0.0015% |
- Early 20th Century: Lulu enjoyed moderate popularity in the early 1900s, consistently ranking within the top 600 names.
- Mid-Century Dip: Its popularity declined significantly in the mid-20th century, even disappearing from the SSA records for several years.
- Modern Revival: While not reaching its early 1900s heights, Lulu has experienced a resurgence in recent years, suggesting a renewed appreciation for its vintage charm.
Names Like Lulu
If you adore the sound and feel of Lulu, here are some similar names to consider:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Lala (Slavic, meaning "tulip")
- Lali (Greek, meaning "talk; well-spoken")
- Lela (African, meaning "black beauty")
- Lil (Latin, short form of Lilian)
- Lila (Arabic, meaning "night")
- Lili (Latin, meaning "lily")
- Lily (English, meaning "lily flower")
- Lola (Spanish, meaning "the sorrows")
- Loulou (Latin, meaning "light")
- Lula (German, meaning "famous warrior")
- Lyla (English, meaning "night")
Similar Names (Meaning or Style):
- Eula (Scandinavian, meaning "well-spoken; wealthy; gem of the sea; sacred red")
- Juli (Latin, meaning "youthful; Jove’s child")
- July (French, meaning "the month of July")
- Lou (English, diminutive of Louise)
- Lu (Latin, meaning "famous warrior; light")
- Luba (Yiddish, meaning "dear")
- Luce (Latin, meaning "light")
- Luci (Latin, meaning "light")
- Lucy (English, meaning "of the light")
- Luna (Latin, meaning "the moon")
- Lupe (Spanish, meaning "the ravenous maiden; the wolfess")
- Lura (German, origin unknown)
- Lusa (Hebrew, meaning "God’s promise; God is my oath")
- Luz (Spanish, meaning "light")
- Nula (Origin unknown)
- Oula (Scandinavian, meaning "will, determination")
- Sula (Scandinavian, meaning "peace; little she-bear")
- Tula (Spanish, meaning "leaping water")
- Yula (Russian, origin unknown)
Conclusion: Is Lulu the Right Name for Your Little One?
Lulu is a delightful name with a rich history and a cheerful personality. Its short length, sweet sound, and varied origins make it a versatile choice that can suit a variety of styles. Whether you’re drawn to its Germanic strength, its Latin radiance, or its French charm, Lulu is a name that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. While popularity has fluctuated, it remains a unique and memorable option for parents looking for a name that stands out without being overly trendy. If you’re seeking a name that is both classic and contemporary, with a touch of sweetness and a spark of light, Lulu might just be the perfect fit.
