Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Loralei
GirlGerman· “variant of Lorelei, luring rock”
- Meaning
- variant of Lorelei, luring rock
- Origin
- German
- Pronunciation
- LOR-uh-ly
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,673
- US babies 2025
- 65
- Best rank
- #1,849 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Loralei
Loralei is a German name that is usually said to mean “variant of Lorelei, luring rock”.
Loralei is a variant spelling of Lorelei, the name of a steep rock on the Rhine in Germany. Its name is usually explained as combining an old word for murmuring or luring with lei, rock. German Romantic poets turned the rock into a legend of a maiden whose singing lured boatmen to their deaths, a story made famous by Heinrich Heine's poem. As a given name it is said LOR-uh-ly. Lorelai, Loralai and Lorelei are other spellings, and the name also recalls Laura and Lori. It has a musical, storybook quality with a hint of mystery.
Popularity over time
Loralei first appears in US Social Security records in 1940. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,849 in 2011, the same year it reached its highest count of 109 babies. In 2025, 65 babies were named Loralei, and it ranked #2,673 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,036 in 2010 and #2,673 in 2025. Of the 1,811 US girls named Loralei since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 457 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Giulianna, Zariya, Johannah, Izel, and Aleeyah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Loralei ranked highest in Alabama, Minnesota, and Ohio.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Loralei is usually pronounced LOR-uh-ly, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-ei”.
Middle names for Loralei
A few middle names that flow with Loralei: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Loralei
Similar names
Lorelei Girl
LAWR-uh-ly
“murmuring rock” · German
#441
Annelise Girl
AN-uh-lees
“blend of Anna and Elise” · German
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Johana Girl
joh-HAN-uh
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Analise Girl
AN-uh-lees
“blend of Anna and Lise” · German
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Viktoria Girl
vihk-TOR-ee-uh
“form of Victoria, victory” · Latin
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Annalise Girl
AN-uh-lees
“combination of Anna and Lise” · German
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Lorelai Girl
LOR-uh-ly
“uncertain; from the Lorelei rock on the Rhine” · German
#333
Vienna Girl
vee-EH-nuh
“the capital of Austria” · Latin
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Katrina Girl
kuh-TREE-nuh
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Ottilie Girl
AH-tih-lee
“fortune, wealth” · German
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Marlena Girl
mahr-LAY-nuh
“blend of Maria and Magdalena” · German
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Mei Girl
MAY
“beautiful; plum blossom” · Chinese
#1,744
Lists that include Loralei
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Loralei mean?
Loralei is a German name that is usually said to mean “variant of Lorelei, luring rock”.
What is the origin of the name Loralei?
Loralei has German roots. Loralei is a variant spelling of Lorelei, the name of a steep rock on the Rhine in Germany.
Is Loralei a popular name?
Not especially. Loralei ranked #2,673 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Loralei a boy or girl name?
Loralei is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Loralei?
Loralei is usually pronounced LOR-uh-ly. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings