Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lori
GirlEnglish, Latin· “laurel (via Laura)”
- Meaning
- laurel (via Laura)
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,726
- US babies 2025
- 118
- Best rank
- #8 (1963)
- Peak year
- 1963
Meaning and origin of Lori
Lori is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “laurel (via Laura)”.
Lori began as a short form of Laura or Lorraine and became an independent name in the twentieth century. Laura is usually traced to the Latin laurus, 'laurel', the plant used to crown victors in the ancient world. Lori has a friendly, mid-century American feel and a light, cheerful sound. It remains simple and easy to spell. Lorie, Lorri and Laurie are alternative spellings, and Lori also works well as a nickname for Loretta or Lorelei.
Other spellings with the same sound: Laurie, Lorie, Lorrie, Lauri, Loree, Lory, Lorry, Laury.
Popularity over time
Lori first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 56 different years, starting in 1946. Its best national rank was #8 in 1963, the same year it reached its highest count of 23,899 babies. In 2025, 118 babies were named Lori, and it ranked #1,726 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #617 in 1950, #76 in 1980, #865 in 2000, #1,837 in 2010, and #1,726 in 2025. Of the 341,911 US girls named Lori since records began, 52% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 77,777 babies. Since 2010, 2,079 more have been named Lori.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tammy, Laura, Jacqueline, Paula, and Maria.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lori ranked highest in Louisiana, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | #739 | 6 |
| Missouri | #879 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #900 | 10 |
| Ohio | #1095 | 8 |
| California | #1212 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lori is usually pronounced LOR-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ri”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Laurie, Lorie, Lorrie, and Lauri.
Middle names for Lori
A few middle names that flow with Lori: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lori
Similar names
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Lists that include Lori
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lori mean?
Lori is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “laurel (via Laura)”.
What is the origin of the name Lori?
Lori has English and Latin roots. Lori began as a short form of Laura or Lorraine and became an independent name in the twentieth century.
Is Lori a popular name?
Not especially. Lori ranked #1,726 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lori a boy or girl name?
Lori is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lori?
Lori is usually pronounced LOR-ee. 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