Lola
LOH-lah
Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, the Spanish name meaning sorrows, from the title of the Virgin Mary 'Nuestra Senora de los Dolores', Our Lady of Sorrows. Despite this melancholic origin, Lola has entirely transcended its etymology to become a name of vivacious energy and glamour. It has been borne by flamenco dancers, screen icons, and fictional characters of irresistible vitality, making it one of the most spirited names in the Spanish tradition.
At a glance
A vivacious Spanish diminutive of Dolores meaning sorrows, transformed through culture into a name of irresistible energy and glamour.
Etymology & History
Lola derives from Dolores, which comes from the Spanish 'dolor' meaning pain or sorrow, itself from the Latin 'dolor'. Dolores was inspired by the Marian title 'Nuestra Senora de los Dolores', a devotional name for the Virgin Mary reflecting on her sufferings. As a diminutive, Lola follows Spanish naming patterns where names are shortened to affectionate forms: Maria becomes Marita or Marola, Carmen becomes Carmela, and Dolores becomes Lola or Lolita. Lola has been in use as a standalone name since at least the 19th century.
Cultural Significance
Lola occupies a unique position in Spanish and international culture as a name that transformed from religious solemnity into a byword for passionate vitality. Lola Flores, known simply as La Faraona (The Pharaoh), was one of Spain's most beloved entertainers and embodied the spirit the name has come to carry. In English-speaking culture, The Kinks' 1970 song 'Lola' and the Copacabana showgirl Lola in Barry Manilow's 1978 hit further cemented the name's association with glamour and daring. Today Lola ranks among the most fashionable names in Britain.
Famous people named Lola
Lola Flores
Spanish flamenco singer and actress (1923-1995), known as La Faraona, one of the most celebrated and charismatic performers in 20th-century Spanish popular culture.
Lola Montez
Irish-born dancer and courtesan (1821-1861), born Eliza Gilbert, who adopted a Spanish persona and became one of the most famous women in mid-19th century Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Lola
Cora
“Maiden, heart”
Cora derives from the Greek Kore, meaning simply 'maiden' or 'girl,' a name also used for the goddess Persephone in her youthful aspect before she became Queen of the Underworld. The name entered German literary consciousness prominently through James Fenimore Cooper's 'The Last of the Mohicans,' widely read in 19th-century Germany, and was further popularised by German Romantic writers who appreciated its classical brevity and poetic ring. In the German tradition Cora is also associated with the heart, coeur in French cognate, lending it an emotional warmth that pairs with its mythological gravitas.
Lila
“Divine play, graceful sport”
Lila derives from the Sanskrit 'lila', meaning divine play or sport, referring to the joyful and effortless creative acts of the gods. It embodies grace, beauty, and the sacred playfulness of the universe.
Lulu
“Pearl or precious”
Lulu is a Swahili name meaning pearl or precious gem, suggesting rarity, beauty, and immense value. Pearls are formed through patient endurance, making the name carry connotations of resilience as well as loveliness. Its playful double-syllable sound makes it immediately endearing, yet the meaning beneath is rich and layered. Lulu sits comfortably across cultures, easy to pronounce and impossible to forget.
Mila
“Gracious, dear”
Mila is a name of Slavic origin meaning gracious, dear, or beloved, functioning as both a short form of longer Slavic names such as Milena, Milica, and Ludmila, and as an independent given name. It has been warmly adopted in Italy, where its melodic simplicity fits naturally into the Italian naming tradition. The name's short, open vowel sound gives it an effortlessly modern, international quality. Gentle, warm, and elegant, Mila has become one of the most beloved girls' names across Europe and beyond in the 21st century.
Rosa
“Rose”
Rosa derives directly from the Latin rosa, meaning rose, the flower that has symbolised love, beauty, and perfection since antiquity. The rose was sacred to Venus in Roman mythology and became a symbol of the Virgin Mary in Christian devotion. Rosa is one of the most universal and beloved of all flower names, worn with distinction by figures from Saint Rose of Lima to Rosa Parks, the civil rights pioneer.
Where you'll find Lola
Lola shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.