Last Name Lola

The origins of the surname "Lola" are not directly traceable to a specific geographical region or ethnicity as it is more commonly known as a diminutive of names such as Dolores, Maria, or other female given names in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures. In these languages, "lola" means "little one." However, the use of personal names as surnames can be traced back to several historical periods and cultural contexts. For example, in some cases, a person might adopt their mother's maiden name as a surname. Alternatively, nicknames or pet names could also evolve into surnames over time. In the case of "Lola," it is more likely that it has originated from these practices rather than being derived from a specific geographical region or ethnicity. It's essential to note that surnames like "Lola" are not uncommon in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as among their diaspora communities worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lola

The meaning and origin of the last name Lola

The surname Lola is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from a diminutive form of the name Dolores, which means "sorrows" or "pains" in Spanish. The name Dolores is deeply rooted in Catholicism, as it refers to the Virgin Mary's sorrow for Jesus' crucifixion. Over time, the name Dolores and its diminutive Lola have become popular names for both girls and women in Spain, as well as in many Latin American countries due to the influence of Spanish culture. As a surname, Lola may indicate a connection to these regions or to families that have adopted the name as part of their identity. It's worth noting that surnames in some cultures were initially patronymic (indicating the father's name) but over time evolved to be occupational, regional, or even non-descriptive. The use and meaning of surnames can vary widely among different families and regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lola

The surname Lola is predominantly found in Africa, particularly in West and Central African countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It also has a presence in the Philippines, where it is relatively common due to its indigenous origins. In these regions, it ranks among the more frequent surnames. The name may also be encountered in other parts of the world as a result of migration, but its frequency outside Africa and the Philippines is significantly lower. In North America and Europe, Lola can be found among immigrant populations from African and Filipino backgrounds.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lola

The surname Lola has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

1. Lolah: This spelling is primarily found among individuals with Sephardic Jewish heritage, as it originates from the Hebrew name "Levi-El" or "Levi-Haim," which means "lion of God."
2. Lolaa: This variant is less common and could be an attempt to add a feminine ending to the surname, although it's not traditionally used as a given name for women.
3. de Lola or del Lola: These forms are more likely to be found among individuals with Spanish or Portuguese heritage. The "de" indicates a noble lineage and is common in these cultures when naming families of nobility.
4. La Lola: This is another Spanish form, which can serve as both a surname and a given name. It may be used by those who prefer to have only one name, similar to the tradition in some Hispanic cultures.
5. L'Olah or LoLah: These spellings might be found among individuals with Sephardic Jewish heritage who have adapted the name to match English spelling conventions.
6. Losola: This Italian variant of the surname is a common name for towns in Italy, such as Losolana and Losone, which may have resulted in families taking on this surname.
7. Lolas: In some cultures, the addition of an "s" at the end of a surname indicates plurality or a shortened version of the original name. It could be used when more than one person within a family share the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Lola

Notable individuals with the surname Lola include:

1. Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1944), a Canadian-American evangelist and media celebrity, who founded the Foursquare Church. She was known for her charismatic preaching style and for establishing Angelus Temple in Los Angeles.

2. Lola Montez (1821-1861), an Irish dancer, actress, and courtesan who gained fame in Europe during the 19th century. She had a series of high-profile affairs with influential men, including King Ludwig I of Bavaria, and was a controversial figure due to her unconventional lifestyle and outspoken nature.

3. Lola Falana (born 1942), an American singer, dancer, and actress who achieved success in the 1970s with hit songs like "It's Over" and roles in films such as "The Wiz" and "Mahogany." She was also known for her appearances on television variety shows.

4. Lola Flores (1923-1995), a Spanish flamenco singer and actress who became one of the most popular artists in Spain during the 1960s and 1970s. Her career spanned five decades, and she was known for her powerful voice and expressive performances.

Genealogical research on the last name Lola

The surname Lola is of Spanish origin and is derived from the diminutive form of the given name Lorenzo. In Spain, it is most commonly found in the regions of Castile-Leon and Galicia. The name Lola first appears in historical records during the late Middle Ages, with early notable bearers such as Rodrigo López de Lola, a knight who fought for King Ferdinand III of Castile in the 13th century. In the Philippines, the surname Lola is often associated with the Tagalog language and can be traced back to the Spanish colonization period, where many Spanish surnames were adopted by the indigenous population. Famous individuals bearing the surname Lola include Filipino politician Felipe Lola, and Mexican actress Ana Lola Román.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lola"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends