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 saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1940s onwards, with a notable spike occurring between 1952 and 1963 when it was consistently among the top 100 names for girls. However, its popularity began to decline steadily after the mid-1970s, reaching a low point in the late 1980s and early 1990s with fewer than 50 births per year. While there has been some resurgence since then, it remains far less popular than it was during its peak decades.