Loris is a gender-neutral name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "laurus," which means "bay laurel." In ancient Rome, the bay laurel was associated with victory and success, as it was used to create wreaths for victorious generals and athletes.
The name Loris has been popular in Italy for centuries, but it gained international recognition in the mid-20th century due to the Swiss-French actor Lorrie Isley, who went by the stage name "Lorris." Despite his popularity, there are no significant historical figures with the name Loris, making its history relatively unknown compared to other names.
The name Loris has also been used in literature and film. In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, a character named Loris Malfoy appears as a minor character. Additionally, the French silent film actor Lorisse was known for his roles in several films during the 1920s.
Overall, while Loris may not have a rich history like some other names, its Italian origins and association with victory make it a unique and interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Loris has a unique history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1903 and 2019, there were a total of 1701 births registered for this name.
In the early 20th century, the name saw moderate usage, with fewer than ten births each year between 1903 and 1920. However, its popularity began to rise significantly in the late 1910s and early 1920s, reaching a peak of 64 births in 1935.
After this peak, the usage of Loris as a baby name started to decline steadily. Between 1937 and 1968, there were fewer than 20 births each year for this name on average. This trend continued until the late 1960s, with the number of annual births reaching single digits by the early 1970s.
Despite its decline in popularity, Loris remained a choice for some parents in the United States. Between 1984 and 2019, there were several years with at least five births registered for this name, indicating that it continued to be used, albeit infrequently.
In conclusion, while Loris was once quite popular in the early to mid-20th century, its usage as a baby name has declined significantly over time. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.