Lorelei
Lorelei is a girl name of German origin, meaning “Name of the legendary Rhine rock and siren”.
| Meaning | Name of the legendary Rhine rock and siren |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | German |
| Pronunciation | LOR-uh-lie |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, Germany, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Lorelei
Lorelei is the name of a steep slate rock on the east bank of the Rhine near St. Goarshausen, where the river narrows and currents once wrecked boats. The place name is usually explained as Old German lureln, 'to murmur', plus ley, 'rock'. Clemens Brentano turned the rock into an enchantress in an 1801 ballad, and Heinrich Heine's poem Die Lorelei made the siren who lures boatmen to their doom famous across Europe.
Is Lorelei a religious name?
Lorelei has no religious background; it comes from German folklore and Romantic poetry rather than from scripture or a saint.
How popular is Lorelei?
An uncommon but recognised girls' name in English-speaking countries, where it has grown more visible in recent years.
Gifts with the name Lorelei
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Spellings and variants of Lorelei
Names similar to Lorelei
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lorelei mean?
Lorelei means 'Name of the legendary Rhine rock and siren'. It is of German origin.
Does Lorelei have a religious meaning?
Lorelei has no religious background; it comes from German folklore and Romantic poetry rather than from scripture or a saint.
How do you pronounce Lorelei?
Lorelei is pronounced LOR-uh-lie.
Is Lorelei a boy or girl name?
Lorelei is usually a girl name.