Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lulu
GirlArabic, English· “pearl; also diminutive of Louise”
- Meaning
- pearl; also diminutive of Louise
- Origin
- Arabic, English
- Pronunciation
- LOO-loo
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,194
- US babies 2025
- 50
- Best rank
- #76 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1886
Meaning and origin of Lulu
Lulu is an Arabic and English name that is usually said to mean “pearl; also diminutive of Louise”.
Lulu has two independent sources. In Arabic, lulu means "pearl," and it is used as a given name in the Arab world and East Africa. In English and German, it grew as a pet form of Louise, Lucy and similar names. It has also been used as an independent name since the nineteenth century, and the Lulu plays of Frank Wedekind and Alban Berg's opera Lulu gave it a dramatic literary association. It is said LOO-loo. Some parents use it as a nickname for longer names like Louisa and Lucia.
Popularity over time
Lulu has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 59 different years. Its best national rank was #76 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1886, when 376 were named Lulu. In 2025, 50 babies were named Lulu, and it ranked #3,194 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #532 in 1920, #2,092 in 1950, #7,410 in 2000, #3,236 in 2010, and #3,194 in 2025. Of the 12,709 US girls named Lulu since records began, 26% were born in the 1880s, its biggest decade. The 1890s come next, with 2,659 babies. Since 2010, 910 more have been named Lulu.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maud.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lulu ranked highest in New York and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1970 | 6 |
| California | #2666 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lulu is usually pronounced LOO-loo, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-lu”.
Middle names for Lulu
A few middle names that flow with Lulu: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lulu
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Lists that include Lulu
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lulu mean?
Lulu is an Arabic and English name that is usually said to mean “pearl; also diminutive of Louise”.
What is the origin of the name Lulu?
Lulu has Arabic and English roots. Lulu has two independent sources.
Is Lulu a popular name?
Not especially. Lulu ranked #3,194 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lulu a boy or girl name?
Lulu is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lulu?
Lulu is usually pronounced LOO-loo. 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