Lolita

Updated: October 12, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Lolita is a beautiful name with international flair, though it lacks popularity in modern times. It is an upbeat alternative to the more stoic Dolores that it comes from, however. As of 2021, it is a top 9,000 name at rank 8,326.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Lolita:

Lolita is a diminutive for the baby name Lola. Lola was a nickname, however, of Dolores. Dolores came from the Spanish name for Jesus's mother, “Maria de Los Dolores”. Dolores spread to English-speaking countries in the 1800s, taking with it both Lola and Lolita. It came to America in the early twentieth century. The name means “sorrows”.

Symbolism of the Name Lolita:

The baby name Lolita means “sorrows” because of its association with Lola and Dolores. Remember, “Maria de Los Dolores” was the name of the mother of Jesus in the Spanish Catholic father. This title translated to “Mary of Sorrows”.

Nicknames for the Name Lolita:

Lolita is a distinct name with some nice nicknames to go along with it. Check out this solid list of the best Lolita nicknames:

Lita
Lo
Lolo
Loli
Lolly
Lottie
Ita
Ites
Lites
Oli
Oles

Style of the Name Lolita:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Lolita:

Lolita is an international name for girls.

Pronunciation of the Name Lolita:

lo-LEE-ta

Number of Syllables in the Name Lolita:

Three

Emotion Evoked From the Name Lolita:

Lolita feels international and youthful. It is an informal name with some delicacy.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Lolita:

Lollita
Lolyta
Lollyta

Popularity of the Name Lolita:

Lolita was on and off the top 1,000 list in America until 1973, when it last ranked on the list at number 851. Lolita did best as a top 500 option for one year. It was number 468 in 1963. According to the Social Security Administration, the name has not been on the top 1,000 list at any point in the 21st century.