Loraine is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the name Laurence, which is ultimately derived from the Latin name Laurentius. The name Laurentius means "from Laurentum," referring to a ancient city in Italy.
The name Loraine has been used since at least the Middle Ages, but it became particularly popular during the Victorian era in England. In France, the name Laurence has been more commonly used than Loraine, but both names have been used interchangeably throughout history.
There are several notable individuals with the name Loraine or variations of it. For example, Loraine Day was an American actress who was active during the 1930s and 1940s, while Laurence Olivier was a renowned British actor known for his roles in films such as "Henry V" and "Hamlet."
Overall, Loraine is a classic feminine name with French origins that has been used throughout history. While it may not be as commonly used today as it once was, it remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents looking for a name with a rich history and international appeal.
The name Loraine has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, it started with a low but steady number of births per year, ranging from just 8 in 1883 to 30 in 1896. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with the annual number of births fluctuating between approximately 20 and 50.
The name Loraine reached its peak popularity in the United States during the late 1910s and early 1920s. In 1917, there were 365 births, a significant increase from previous years. This number continued to rise over the next few years, reaching a high of 424 births in 1922. Even after this peak, the name remained quite popular, with over 300 births per year until the late 1920s.
However, beginning in the early 1930s, the popularity of Loraine began to decline. The number of births fell below 300 annually and continued to drop throughout the decade, reaching a low of just 164 births in 1936. This trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s, with the annual number of Loraine births rarely exceeding 200.
From the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, the name Loraine maintained a moderate level of popularity, with around 150 to 250 births per year. However, after 1973, its usage began to decline once again. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the annual number of Loraine births had fallen below 50.
In recent years, the name Loraine has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. After falling to an all-time low of just 12 births in 2000, the number of Loraine births began to rise once again. Since 2007, the annual number of births has consistently been between 15 and 30.
In total, since record-keeping began in the United States, there have been 17,242 babies named Loraine born. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Loraine remains a unique and historic name with a significant presence in American naming culture.