Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lorraine
GirlFrench· “from the French region of Lorraine”
- Meaning
- from the French region of Lorraine
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- lor-AYN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,044
- US babies 2025
- 238
- Best rank
- #39 (1928)
- Peak year
- 1928
Meaning and origin of Lorraine
Lorraine is a French name that means “from the French region of Lorraine”.
Lorraine comes from the region of northeastern France, whose name goes back to Lotharingia, the kingdom of the Frankish ruler Lothair II. Lothair itself is a Germanic name combining elements for fame and army. The region gave its name to the Cross of Lorraine, later a symbol of the Free French in the Second World War, and to the dish quiche Lorraine. As a given name, Lorraine was especially fashionable in the mid-twentieth century and today has a classic, vintage character. Lori and Rainey are friendly nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Loraine, Laraine, Lorain.
Popularity over time
Lorraine first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 111 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #39 in 1928, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,982 babies. In 2025, 238 babies were named Lorraine, and it ranked #1,044 nationally. That is 95% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #70 in 1920, #105 in 1950, #431 in 1980, #1,213 in 2000, #2,329 in 2010, and #1,044 in 2025. Of the 209,910 US girls named Lorraine since records began, 24% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 36,333 babies. Since 2010, 2,276 more have been named Lorraine.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ramona, Lois, and Doris.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lorraine ranked highest in Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lorraine is usually pronounced lor-AYN, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with L and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Loraine, Laraine, and Lorain.
Middle names for Lorraine
A few middle names that flow with Lorraine: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lorraine
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Lists that include Lorraine
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lorraine mean?
Lorraine is a French name that means “from the French region of Lorraine”.
What is the origin of the name Lorraine?
Lorraine has French roots. Lorraine comes from the region of northeastern France, whose name goes back to Lotharingia, the kingdom of the Frankish ruler Lothair II.
Is Lorraine a popular name?
Not especially. Lorraine ranked #1,044 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lorraine a boy or girl name?
Lorraine is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lorraine?
Lorraine is usually pronounced lor-AYN. 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