What does Dolores mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Dolores' comes from the Spanish 'María de los Dolores', which means 'Mary of Sorrows'. It originates from the Roman Catholic tradition honoring Our Lady of Sorrows. Its usage began in Spain and later spread to Latin American countries and the United States. Dolores was notably popular in t
Cultural significance
Dolores has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sorrows.
Peak popularity
Reached #13 in 1930 — currently #1065 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dolores?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dolores?
Dolores works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dolores Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dolores Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dolores Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dolores Claire
French influence · crisp
Dolores Jane
Literary · strong
Dolores Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dolores right now?
Holding steady — currently #1065 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1065 | 1,135 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1070 | 1,115 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1075 | 1,085 | ▲ up 1870 · +1909% births |
| 2020 | #2945 | 54 | ▲ up 1344 · +64% births |
| 2015 | #4289 | 33 | ▲ up 107 |
| 2010 | #4396 | 33 | ▼ down 1138 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #3258 | 47 | ▼ down 1335 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #1923 | 88 | ▼ down 592 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #1331 | 124 | ▼ down 289 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #1042 | 172 | ▼ down 224 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #818 | 199 | ▼ down 163 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #655 | 279 | ▼ down 83 · -3% births |
| 1975 | #572 | 289 | ▼ down 165 · -49% births |
| 1970 | #407 | 564 | ▼ down 95 · -32% births |
| 1965 | #312 | 828 | — |
The story of Dolores
Dolores has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #13 in 1930. More than 212,443 babies have been named Dolores since 1880. Once ranked #475 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1065 in 2023. Dolores is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dolores in 1930:
Dolores by decade
Dolores peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 144 | |
| 1890s | 407 | |
| 1900s | 1,468 | |
| 1910s | 10,863 | |
| 1920s | 52,297 | |
| 1930s ★ | 77,584 | |
| 1940s | 33,330 | |
| 1950s | 18,434 | |
| 1960s | 9,711 | |
| 1970s | 3,629 | |
| 1980s | 2,140 | |
| 1990s | 1,295 | |
| 2000s | 687 | |
| 2010s | 400 | |
| 2020s | 54 | |
What are good nicknames for Dolores?
ENGLISH
DollieDollyLolaLolicia
What names sound and feel like Dolores?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dolores also consider these
How is Dolores written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Dolores
What does the name Dolores mean?
Dolores means "sorrows" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dolores?
Dolores is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dolores?
Dolores originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dolores?
Dolores is a three-syllable name pronounced D AH0 L AO1 R IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Dolores?
Dolores pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.