The name Lorna has been around for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for baby names. If you are considering naming your child Lorna or simply want to learn more about this name, then keep reading. In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning, popularity, and famous namesakes of Lorna.
Origin of the Name Lorna
The name Lorna is believed to have originated in Scotland, although its exact origins remain unclear. Some sources claim that it comes from the Scottish place name Lorne, while others suggest that it may be a variation of the name Laura, which means “bay laurel” in Latin.
Meaning of the Name Lorna
The meaning of the name Lorna is also somewhat debated. One interpretation is that it means “fox cub,” while another suggests that it means “fierce.” It is also possible that the name has no specific meaning and was simply chosen because it sounded pleasant.
Popularity of the Name Lorna
The name Lorna has been in use since at least the 19th century, when it first appeared in records of birth and baptism. Its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, when it ranked among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States. However, it has since fallen out of favor and is now considered a relatively uncommon name.
Famous Namesakes Named Lorna
Despite its decline in popularity, there have been several notable people named Lorna throughout history. Here are a few examples:
Lorna Doone
Lorna Doone is the title character of a novel by English author R.D. Blackmore. The novel, which was published in 1869, tells the story of a young boy named John Ridd who falls in love with Lorna, a member of the outlaw Doone clan.
Lorna Luft
Lorna Luft is an American actress and singer who is best known for her role in the film Grease 2. She is also the daughter of famous entertainer Judy Garland.
Lorna Simpson
Lorna Simpson is a contemporary artist known for her photography, video, and mixed media works. Her art often explores themes of race, gender, and identity.
Variations of the Name Lorna
There are several variations of the name Lorna that you may encounter, including:
- Lornie
- Lorne
- Lorraine
- Lorina
- Loryn
Is Lorna a Good Name for Your Child?
If you are considering naming your child Lorna, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you should choose a name that you love and that feels meaningful to you. You may also want to consider whether the name is easy to pronounce and spell, as this can impact your child’s experiences in school and beyond.
Another consideration is the popularity of the name. While Lorna is no longer among the most popular baby names, it could still be a good choice if you are looking for a unique and distinctive name that is not too unusual.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to name your child Lorna or any other name is a personal one that only you can make. Take the time to consider all of your options carefully before making a final decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Lorna is a beautiful and unique choice for a baby girl. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it has been in use for centuries and has been associated with several notable namesakes throughout history. Whether you choose to use this name or another, remember that the most important thing is to choose a name that feels right for you and your family.
FAQs
- Is Lorna a popular name?
No, Lorna is currently considered a relatively uncommon name.
- What is the origin of the name Lorna?
The name Lorna is believed to have originated in Scotland, although its exact origins are unclear.
- What does the name Lorna mean?
The meaning of the name Lorna is somewhat debated, but it may mean “fox cub” or “fierce.”
- Are there any famous people named Lorna?
Yes, there have been several notable people throughout history named Lorna, including Lorna Doone, Lorna Luft, and Lorna Simpson.
- Is Lorna a good name for a baby girl?
That ultimately depends on your personal preferences and considerations. However, if you are looking for a unique and distinctive name that is not too unusual, Lorna could be a good choice.# Understanding the Meaning of the Name Lorna (Continued)
Famous Namesakes Named Lorna
We previously mentioned a few examples of famous people named Lorna, but there are even more worth noting:
Lorna Cordeiro
Lorna Cordeiro is an Indian singer who sings Konkani songs in the Goan style. She has won several awards for her music and has been performing for over 40 years.
Lorna Gray
Lorna Gray was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout her career. She is best known for her role in the 1940 film “The Shadow,” in which she played Margo Lane.
Lorna Heilbron
Lorna Heilbron is a British actress who has appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. She is best known for her roles in the films “The Creeping Flesh” and “No Blade of Grass.”
Variations of the Name Lorna
We previously mentioned a few variations of the name Lorna, but there are additional variations that you may encounter:
- Lornette
- Lornea
- Lornda
- Lorinna
- Lorny
Is Lorna a Good Name for Your Child?
As with any name, whether or not Lorna is a good choice for your child ultimately depends on your personal preferences and considerations. Here are some factors to keep in mind when considering the name Lorna:
- Meaning: The meaning of the name Lorna is somewhat debated, so it may not hold significant meaning for you. However, if you like the sound of the name, this may not be a concern.
- Popularity: As we previously mentioned, Lorna is no longer among the most popular baby names. If you’re looking for a unique name that is not too unusual, this could be a good choice for you.
- Pronunciation and Spelling: Lorna is a relatively easy name to pronounce and spell, which could be a benefit if you want your child’s name to be easily recognized and remembered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Lorna has a rich history and has been associated with several notable namesakes throughout time. While its exact meaning remains somewhat debated, it is generally considered to be a beautiful and unique name choice for a baby girl. Ultimately, whether or not Lorna is a good name for your child depends on your personal preferences and considerations, but we hope this article has helped you make an informed decision.

We’re Emma Carole Paradis and Kimberly Carole, the owners and designers of Impeccable Nest, based in Bedford, New Hampshire. A mother-daughter team with a love of design. Originally from Manhattan Beach, California, now based in Bedford, New Hampshire, we bring a Southern California cool and New England tradition to our design. Not only do we work together…we also live together in a multi-generational home…and a home that they are known to design for others.