Ever wonder, “What is Lola short for?” You’re not the only one.
Lola sounds cute and full of life, but where does it come from? Some people think it’s just a name on its own. Others know it has deeper roots.
This blog clears things up. We’ll look at the real names that can become Lola, where the name started, what it means, and how it shows up in pop culture.
If you’re naming a baby, curious about your own name, or just love names in general, you’ll find this helpful.
Keep reading to find out the full story behind Lola and learn name ideas you may not have thought of.
What is Lola Short For?
Lola is often used as a nickname. It usually comes from the name Dolores, but it can also come from other names. Let’s look at all the names that fit.
Dolores – The Traditional Name
Dolores is the most common name that Lola comes from. Many people are unaware of this connection.
The name became popular because of its connection to the Virgin Mary, who was sometimes called “María de los Dolores” (Mary of Sorrows). When Spanish families named their daughters Dolores, they often used Lola as a nickname because it was shorter and more fun to say.
Over time, this nickname became so popular that many people started using Lola as a name all by itself.
Other Full Names that can be Shortened to Lola
While Dolores is the main name that gives us Lola, there are actually many other names that can use Lola as a nickname:
Paloma: This Spanish name means “dove” and shares some sounds with Lola.
Paola: The Italian version of Paula, this name sounds close to Lola.
Lolita: This is actually a nickname itself (for Dolores), but some people use Lola as an even shorter version.
Charlotte: Some families take the “lo” sound from the middle of Charlotte to make Lola.
Loretta: This name starts with “Lo,” making Lola a natural nickname.
Eloise or Eloisa: These fancy names feature “lo” in the middle, which can lead to the nickname “Lola.”
Florence: With a bit of creativity, Florence becomes Flo and then Lola.
Penelope: This long Greek name has a “lo” sound that can turn into Lola.
Lourdes: Another name with religious meaning that starts with “Lo.”
Harlow: This modern name ends with the “lo” sound that can become Lola.
Marlowe: Similar to Harlow, the ending sounds make Lola a good fit.
Today, many parents just name their children Lola without it being short for anything. It’s become a popular name all on its own because it’s simple, fun to say, and sounds happy.
What Does the Name Lola Mean?
The name Lola has a deep meaning. It comes from the Spanish word for “sorrows” and has strong roots in religion. But today, it’s also seen as stylish and sweet.
The Meaning Behind Lola
The name Lola has a surprising meaning that many people don’t know about. While it sounds happy and fun to say, Lola is actually connected to sorrow and sadness.
This is because Lola is usually a nickname for Dolores, which means “sorrows” in Spanish. The name Dolores comes from one of the titles given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Christian faith.
She was called “María de los Dolores,” which means “Mary of Sorrows.” This title honors the sad times Mary went through in her life, especially when Jesus died.
Even though the meaning involves sadness, people with the name Lola are usually anything but sad. The name has grown to represent strength and deep feelings.
Many parents choose this name because they love how it sounds, not because of its meaning.
Language and Culture
Lola has strong Spanish roots. It started as a nickname that Spanish-speaking families would use for girls named Dolores.
If you travel to Spain, Mexico, or other Spanish-speaking countries, you’ll find many women named Lola.
In Spanish culture, nicknames often use parts of the original name repeated with slight changes. “Dolores” became “Lola” by taking the “lo” sound and repeating it with a small change.
Today, Lola has spread far beyond Spanish-speaking countries. The name has become popular in the United States, England, France, and many other places around the world. It’s short, easy to say, and works well in many languages.
Parents from all different backgrounds now choose Lola as a name for their daughters. Some pick it because of family connections to Spanish culture, while others simply love the way it sounds.
The name Lola is now loved worldwide for its simple, friendly sound that’s easy for people of all ages to say and remember.
Can Lola be a Name on its Own?
Yes, Lola can be a full name by itself. Many parents now use it without adding a longer name. It’s short, easy to say, and full of fun.
Lola works perfectly as a complete name on its own. Increasingly, parents are choosing Lola as a full first name for their daughters, rather than just as a nickname.
In the past, shorter names like Lola were often used as nicknames for longer names, such as Dolores. But today, those old naming rules don’t matter as much. Lola is popular as a full name because it’s:
- Short and sweet – With just four letters, it’s easy to say and spell.
- Fun to say – The “lo-la” sound has a happy, musical feeling.
- Full of character – Even though it’s short, Lola feels like it has personality.
In many countries, Lola now appears on birth certificates as the official first name. While it did start as a nickname for Dolores, it has grown into its own complete name.
Many famous people have chosen Lola as their daughter’s name, helping to make it even more popular as a standalone name.
So if you’re wondering if Lola can be someone’s real, official name, then the answer is definitely yes.
Lola in Pop Culture and Media
The name Lola shows up in songs, movies, and books. Famous people and characters have helped make it more popular. Here’s where you’ve probably seen or heard it before.
Famous People Named Lola
The name Lola has been worn by some cool and talented people who helped make it more popular over time.
Lola Falana was a singer and dancer who became famous in the 1960s and 1970s. She was on TV shows and in movies, and was known for her amazing performances. When she was at the height of her fame, more parents started thinking about the name Lola for their daughters.
Lola Kirke is an actress who has been in movies and TV shows like “Mozart in the Jungle.” Her success has helped the name Lola feel modern and fresh to new parents.
Lola Consuelos is the daughter of TV stars Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. When famous people name their kids Lola, it often makes the name more popular with other parents.
Lola Leon is Madonna’s daughter. Having a super-famous mom put her name in magazines and news stories, which helped more people hear the name Lola.
Lola in Books, Shows, and Songs
The name Lola has appeared in lots of songs, books, and shows that many people know:
“Lola” by The Kinks is one of the most famous songs with this name. It came out in 1970 and became a huge hit. Many people think of this song when they hear the name Lola.
“Copacabana” by Barry Manilow tells the story of a showgirl named Lola. This popular song from 1978 kept the name in people’s minds.
“Charlie and Lola” is a children’s book series and TV show about a little girl named Lola and her big brother.
These sweet stories made the name familiar to a whole new generation of kids and parents.
“Run Lola Run” is a famous movie from 1998 with a main character named Lola who has bright red hair and runs through the city on an important mission.
The movie was popular around the world and showed Lola as a strong, determined person.
“Whatever Lola Wants” is an old song from the 1950s that became famous again when it was used in commercials and movies.
The song is about how Lola always gets what she wants, making the name sound confident and strong.
These songs, books, movies, and shows have kept the name Lola in our minds for many years, and helped it stay popular with new parents looking for a name that sounds both classic and cool.
Choosing a Full Name for the Nickname Lola
If you love the nickname Lola, there are many full names you can pick to match it. From classic to modern, here are great name ideas that work well.
While Dolores is the classic full name for Lola, many parents today are looking for fresh options. Here are some modern names that can lead to the nickname Lola:
Lorelei is a beautiful name from German stories about a magical woman who sang by the Rhine River. The “Lo” at the beginning makes Lola a natural nickname.
Magnolia is a flower name that’s becoming more popular. The “lo” sound in the middle works well for creating Lola as a nickname.
Violet Olivia gives you Lola from the first letters of each name (Vi-O-L-A), which is a creative way to get to Lola.
London, Layla could give you Lola from the first two letters of each name. This works well if you like place names or names that start with L.
Olive Laurel is another option that uses the first letters to create Lola as a nickname.
Sophia Louisa has the “lo” sound in the middle name that can create Lola.
Tips for Picking the Right Name
If you want to use Lola as a nickname, here are some helpful tips:
- Match the feeling: Lola sounds fun and friendly, so pick a full name with a similar happy feel.
- Try it out loud: Say the full name and the nickname together to see how they flow.
- Think about your family background: Choose a name that connects to your heritage if that’s important to you.
- Consider the meaning: Look up what each possible name means to make sure you like its meaning.
- Check the initials: Ensure the full name’s initials don’t spell out something you wouldn’t want.
- Ask for opinions: Try out your name ideas with family and friends to see how they react.
Final Thoughts
So, what is Lola short for? We’ve learned it often comes from Dolores, but it also fits names like Paloma, Loretta, Harlow, and even creative combos.
Lola isn’t just a nickname anymore. It’s grown into a name people love around the world.
We learned the meaning, the culture, and how Lola pops up in music, books, and baby name lists.
You want a full name for Lola or plan to use it as it is, now you have all the info you need.
Ready to choose a name with heart? Use this blog to guide you and pick the best fit for your Lola. Got a favorite from the list? Share it or save this for name-picking day.
