Dolores Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationdoh-LOH-res / /dəˈloʊrɛs/Spanish; Latin
Meaning
Spanish: sorrows; Latin: pain
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dolores has its roots in the Spanish language, deriving from the term "Nuestra Señora de los Dolores," which translates to "Our Lady of Sorrows." This title refers to a Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary, particularly emphasizing her suffering and grief, especially in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The name entered the English language through the influence of Spanish culture and the spread of Catholicism, particularly during the 19th century when Spanish names began to gain traction in English-speaking countries.
Historically, the name Dolores became more prominent in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of Marian devotions in Catholicism. The Virgin Mary has been a significant figure in Christianity, and the specific devotion to her sorrows can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with formal recognition in the 17th century. The name gained further recognition through literary works and religious texts, including translations of the Bible and other religious literature that highlighted the importance of Mary and her sorrows.
Culturally, the name Dolores carries connotations of compassion and empathy, reflecting the sorrowful aspects of the Virgin Mary's life. This emotional resonance has allowed the name to endure across generations. In addition, diminutive forms such as Lola have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability within various cultural contexts. Overall, Dolores remains a name steeped in religious significance and historical depth, symbolizing both sorrow and maternal strength.
Trend Summary
The name Dolores has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Lola
- Dolly
International Variants
- Dolores (Spanish)
- Dolorès (Catalan)
- Dolorita (Spanish)
Famous people named Dolores
Dolores O'Riordan is a singer and songwriter best known for being the lead vocalist of The Cranberries, and for songs like 'Zombie' and 'Linger'.
Dolores Huerta is an activist best known for co-founding the United Farm Workers and her work in labor rights.
Fictional characters named Dolores
Dolores Umbridge is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is a Ministry of Magic official known for her cruel and authoritarian methods in Hogwarts.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dolores was first seen in the United States in 1880. Dolores has ranked as high as #25 nationally, which occurred in 1930, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Dolores has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Dolores (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 11 | |
NY | 5 | |
TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 13 |
1881 | 10 |
1882 | 10 |
1883 | 14 |
1884 | 13 |
1885 | 11 |
1886 | 11 |
1887 | 14 |
1888 | 30 |
1889 | 18 |
1890 | 21 |
1891 | 25 |
1892 | 28 |
1893 | 31 |
1894 | 54 |
1895 | 41 |
1896 | 39 |
1897 | 48 |
1898 | 56 |
1899 | 64 |
1900 | 91 |
1901 | 68 |
1902 | 108 |
1903 | 114 |
1904 | 138 |
1905 | 142 |
1906 | 183 |
1907 | 192 |
1908 | 212 |
1909 | 220 |
1910 | 294 |
1911 | 363 |
1912 | 522 |
1913 | 706 |
1914 | 934 |
1915 | 1,280 |
1916 | 1,374 |
1917 | 1,562 |
1918 | 1,835 |
1919 | 1,911 |
1920 | 2,365 |
1921 | 2,558 |
1922 | 2,714 |
1923 | 3,369 |
1924 | 3,729 |
1925 | 4,145 |
1926 | 5,219 |
1927 | 6,769 |
1928 | 9,614 |
1929 | 11,506 |
1930 | 12,842 |
1931 | 10,806 |
1932 | 9,630 |
1933 | 8,022 |
1934 | 7,689 |
1935 | 7,374 |
1936 | 6,417 |
1937 | 5,568 |
1938 | 4,809 |
1939 | 3,980 |
1940 | 3,604 |
1941 | 4,384 |
1942 | 4,267 |
1943 | 3,698 |
1944 | 3,081 |
1945 | 2,703 |
1946 | 3,064 |
1947 | 3,071 |
1948 | 2,763 |
1949 | 2,464 |
1950 | 2,226 |
1951 | 2,141 |
1952 | 2,044 |
1953 | 1,978 |
1954 | 1,963 |
1955 | 1,778 |
1956 | 1,660 |
1957 | 1,571 |
1958 | 1,525 |
1959 | 1,419 |
1960 | 1,366 |
1961 | 1,339 |
1962 | 1,273 |
1963 | 1,112 |
1964 | 1,082 |
1965 | 828 |
1966 | 771 |
1967 | 678 |
1968 | 594 |
1969 | 586 |
1970 | 563 |
1971 | 478 |
1972 | 397 |
1973 | 372 |
1974 | 305 |
1975 | 289 |
1976 | 324 |
1977 | 295 |
1978 | 281 |
1979 | 290 |
1980 | 279 |
1981 | 282 |
1982 | 280 |
1983 | 218 |
1984 | 177 |
1985 | 199 |
1986 | 174 |
1987 | 192 |
1988 | 147 |
1989 | 182 |
1990 | 173 |
1991 | 135 |
1992 | 144 |
1993 | 159 |
1994 | 127 |
1995 | 124 |
1996 | 133 |
1997 | 104 |
1998 | 105 |
1999 | 87 |
2000 | 88 |
2001 | 92 |
2002 | 84 |
2003 | 62 |
2004 | 64 |
2005 | 47 |
2006 | 87 |
2007 | 61 |
2008 | 62 |
2009 | 40 |
2010 | 33 |
2011 | 40 |
2012 | 37 |
2013 | 38 |
2014 | 42 |
2015 | 33 |
2016 | 50 |
2017 | 49 |
2018 | 38 |
2019 | 41 |
2020 | 55 |
2021 | 56 |
2022 | 78 |
2023 | 68 |
2024 | 50 |