What does Lulu mean and where does it come from?
Lulu is of Arabic origin, meaning 'pearl', and is used in various cultures. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 19th century. The name has been used for notable figures in literature and media, such as the character Lulu in Frank Wedekind's plays. It also has different
Cultural significance
Lulu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #76 in 1881 — currently #2746 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lulu?
Lulu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lulu Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lulu Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lulu Claire
French influence · crisp
Lulu Jane
Literary · strong
Lulu Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lulu right now?
Declining — down 6 spots — currently #2746 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2746 | 63 | ▼ down 6 |
| 2022 | #2740 | 63 | ▲ up 29 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #2769 | 62 | ▲ up 30 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #2799 | 58 | ▲ up 85 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #2884 | 60 | ▲ up 317 · +18% births |
| 2010 | #3201 | 51 | ▲ up 1753 · +96% births |
| 2005 | #4954 | 26 | ▲ up 2201 · +86% births |
| 2000 | #7155 | 14 | ▲ up 1615 · +56% births |
| 1995 | #8770 | 9 | ▲ up 2634 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #11404 | 6 | ▼ down 4234 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #7170 | 7 | ▼ down 2676 · -42% births |
| 1970 | #4494 | 12 | ▼ down 1348 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #3146 | 16 | ▼ down 156 · -6% births |
| 1960 | #2990 | 17 | ▼ down 440 · -11% births |
| 1955 | #2550 | 19 | — |
The story of Lulu
Lulu has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #76 in 1881. A total of 12,420 babies have received this name. Once ranked #86 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2746 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lulu in 1881:
Lulu by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s ★ | 3,253 | |
| 1890s | 2,659 | |
| 1900s | 1,376 | |
| 1910s | 1,484 | |
| 1920s | 1,221 | |
| 1930s | 647 | |
| 1940s | 276 | |
| 1950s | 213 | |
| 1960s | 145 | |
| 1970s | 112 | |
| 1980s | 31 | |
| 1990s | 79 | |
| 2000s | 301 | |
| 2010s | 565 | |
| 2020s | 58 | |
What are good nicknames for Lulu?
Famous people named Lulu
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Lulu (Sufi mystic)
Lulu used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lulu (historical Arab ruler)
Lulu held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
Lulu (Sufi mystic)
Lulu used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lulu (Islamic scholar)
Lulu bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lulu?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lulu also consider these
Common questions about the name Lulu
What does the name Lulu mean?
Lulu means "Pearl" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Lulu?
Lulu is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lulu have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lulu?
Lulu originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Lulu?
Lulu is a two-syllable name pronounced L UW1 L UW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lulu trending right now?
Lulu is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.