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Origin and meaning of the name Lourdes

What is the origin of the name Lourdes?

The name Lourdes is of French origin and it refers to a town in southern France where a famous Marian apparition occurred in 1858. In Catholicism, Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the most venerated Marian apparitions and the town itself has become a major pilgrimage site due to this event. The name Lourdes is derived from the Occitan word for "cave" or "grotto," which describes the location where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl.

Learn more about the origin of the name Lourdes

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Lourdes

The name Lourdes is of Spanish and French origin, named after the town and sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The town gained significant religious importance following multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, who reportedly revealed a spring that was later discovered to have healing properties. Due to the miraculous events and subsequent popularity of the site, places, people, and things named Lourdes are closely associated with Marian devotion and Catholicism. The name Lourdes can be traced back to the Latin word "Lurda," which is believed to mean "little cave" or "muddy place." In contemporary usage, Lourdes is a popular given name among Spanish, French, and other Catholic communities, as well as those with connections to the town of Lourdes.

Character traits associated with the name Lourdes

Lourdes is often characterized by qualities such as compassion, determination, and resilience. Named after a renowned Catholic shrine in France, Lourdes personifies a strong spiritual connection and a deep sense of faith. She is known for her nurturing nature, providing comfort and care to those around her. Lourdes demonstrates a relentless dedication to her goals, showing great perseverance in the face of adversity. Her resilience, born from both personal experiences and her strong inner spirit, allows her to overcome challenges with grace and fortitude. Additionally, Lourdes possesses a quiet strength that inspires others, encouraging them to face their own struggles with courage. Overall, Lourdes embodies qualities of empathy, perseverance, and resilience, making her an admirable figure for many.

Popularity of the name Lourdes

Lourdes is a popular feminine given name of French origin, derived from the sanctuary town of Lourdes in France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Its popularity extends beyond France and has been adopted in various parts of the world. In some countries, it ranks among the top 200 most popular names for girls, such as Spain, France, Mexico, and the United States. In Spain, Lourdes is a consistently popular choice due to its religious connotations and historical significance. However, its popularity varies significantly by region and culture, with higher usage in Catholic communities compared to secular or other religious groups. Overall, Lourdes remains a significant name with deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections that continue to resonate with many families worldwide.

Famous people with the name Lourdes

Lourdes is a name of Spanish and Basque origin that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Lourdes Leon, the daughter of singer Madonna, who gained attention through her mother's career and pursued a modeling career herself. Another well-known figure is Lourdes Sanchez Varon, a Cuban political scientist and academic, known for her work on gender issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, there is Lourdes Duque, a Spanish professional tennis player who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 26. Lastly, Saint Lourdes (Veronica) is a Catholic saint from the Basque Country, known for her aid to the blind in Lourdes, France. These are some of the most famous individuals named Lourdes, each making significant contributions in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Lourdes

Lourdes is a female given name of Spanish, French, and Catalan origin. It derives from the French form of Laurus, which means laurel in Latin. The most popular variation is the traditional spelling, Lourdes, pronounced as "loo-rdess" or "loor-days" in English.

Other variants include: Lúrdana (Basque), Lùrda (Catalan), Lórdache (French Creole), Loredana, Loreda, and Lourdane (Italian), Luurdina (Galician), and Luurdes (Portuguese).

The name has gained significance due to the famous Marian shrine in Lourdes, France, where according to Roman Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous 1858. As such, Lourdes is also a popular name among Catholic communities. The name represents purity, devotion, and miracles, symbolizing the healing power associated with the shrine.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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