Lorraine
Lorraine: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ləˈɹeɪn/ · /lɔˈɹeɪn/
Meaning and origin of Lorraine
Root meaning: “Lotharingian”
- A female given name transferred from the place name, associated with Laura by folk etymology.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English Loreyne, from Old French Loherraine, from loherenc (“Lotharingian”); compare Early Medieval Latin Lotharingia (ultimately named for Lothair II, who ruled it); compare Lotharingia, German Lothringen.
How popular is Lorraine?
Since 1880, 209,910 girls and 935 boys in the U.S. have been named Lorraine (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #39 in 1928. Its highest rank for boys was #1103 in 1930. In 2025, 238 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Lorraine
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Lorraine
Names that peaked around the same time as Lorraine and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Lorraine FAQ
What does the name Lorraine mean?
Lorraine traces back to a root meaning "Lotharingian". A female given name transferred from the place name, associated with Laura by folk etymology. Inherited from Middle English Loreyne, from Old French Loherraine, from loherenc (“Lotharingian”); compare Early Medieval Latin Lotharingia (ultimately named for Lothair II, who ruled it); compare Lotharingia, German Lothringen.
How popular is the name Lorraine?
Since 1880, 209,910 girls and 935 boys in the U.S. have been named Lorraine (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #39 in 1928. Its highest rank for boys was #1103 in 1930. In 2025, 238 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Lorraine a boy or girl name?
Lorraine is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 209,910 girls and 935 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.