Lurlean
A girl's name of Germanic origin with 308 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 308 Americans have ever been named Lurlean. It first appeared in SSA records in 1911 and peaked modestly at 18 births in 1920 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
Lurlean is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Lurlean is a girl's baby name of Germanic origin, a variant of Lorelei or Lorena — possibly from the German Lorelei, the legendary Rhine River rock whose name means 'murmuring rock' or 'luring rock,' home to the siren whose song lured sailors to their deaths. The -lean suffix gives it a flowing, Southern American quality.
Lurlean has a warm, melodic character with the flowing quality of river names. In the American South, it was used most in the early-to-mid 20th century, where names with musical, water-connected sounds were particularly beloved. It carries a gentle, lyrical beauty.
EtymologyShow more
Lurlean first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1911. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Germanic classification suggests a path from germanic linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Lurlean has 38+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1911.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 | #6273 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 15 | #6107 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 45 | #4444 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 72 | #3517 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 106 | #3067 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 64 | #3378 | — |
The Story of Lurlean
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Lurlean is a name steeped in history. Girls named Lurlean are most likely born between 1911 and 1930.
How rare is Lurlean?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Lurlean is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1911, peaked in the 1920s with 106 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Lurlean by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(38 years, 1911–1961)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 6 | #6273 |
| 1957 | 5 | #6658 |
| 1951 | 5 | #5880 |
| 1950 | 5 | #5783 |
| 1949 | 6 | #5018 |
| 1947 | 6 | #5065 |
| 1946 | 6 | #4765 |
| 1945 | 6 | #4328 |
| 1942 | 5 | #5059 |
| 1941 | 9 | #3158 |
| 1940 | 7 | #3715 |
| 1939 | 5 | #4653 |
| 1938 | 9 | #3086 |
| 1937 | 11 | #2660 |
| 1935 | 10 | #2849 |
| 1934 | 8 | #3341 |
| 1933 | 6 | #4032 |
| 1932 | 7 | #3781 |
| 1931 | 10 | #2904 |
| 1930 | 6 | #4347 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lurlean a boy's or girl's name?
When was Lurlean most popular?
How popular is the name Lurlean?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1911–1961