Lorelei is a unique and beautiful name of German origin. It is derived from the Old German words 'lur' meaning 'marsh' and 'leih' meaning 'shiny'. Therefore, Lorelei translates to 'shining in the marsh'.
The name Lorelei is strongly associated with the famous Lorelei rock formation located on the Rhine River between St. Goarshausen and St. Goar in Germany. According to legend, a beautiful maiden named Lorelei lived atop this rock and would comb her golden hair while singing enchanting songs that lured sailors to their doom.
The Lorelei legend has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and music, most notably the poem "Die Lorelei" by German poet Heinrich Heine. The poem was later set to music by composer Friedrich Silcher, creating one of the most famous German lieders.
Today, Lorelei continues to captivate as a unique and distinct name choice for girls. Its connection to the Rhine River and the enchanting legend adds a touch of mystique and romance to this beautiful name. Despite its strong ties to German culture and history, Lorelei has been embraced by parents around the world who are drawn to its meaning, sound, and story.
The name Lorelei has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as evidenced by these statistics from the Social Security Administration. Between 1916 and 1928, the number of babies named Lorelei fluctuated between 5 and 56 per year. This period saw a steady increase in the name's usage, with a significant jump to 121 births in 1938.
The peak of Lorelei's popularity came during the post-World War II baby boom. Between 1947 and 1954, the number of babies named Lorelei increased dramatically, from 59 in 1947 to a peak of 176 in 1954. This trend continued into the early 1960s, with the name remaining among the top 200 most popular names for girls during this period.
However, Lorelei's popularity began to decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with fewer than 100 babies named Lorelei each year between 1968 and 1973. This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with the number of Loreleis born each year fluctuating between 23 and 99.
Despite this decline in popularity, Lorelei has seen a resurgence in recent years. After reaching a low point of just 601 births in 2020, the name's popularity has increased significantly, with 699 babies named Lorelei in 2021 and 712 in 2022. This recent trend suggests that Lorelei may once again become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, these statistics show the fluctuating popularity of the name Lorelei over the past century in the United States. While it has experienced periods of both high and low popularity, its recent resurgence suggests that Lorelei may continue to be a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their daughters.