The name Lorelai is experiencing a notable surge in popularity among millennial and Gen Z parents, largely attributed to the enduring affection for the television series Gilmore Girls. The show, which originally aired for seven seasons from 2000 to 2007, has found a new life on streaming platforms, introducing its unique blend of fast-paced dialogue and relatable characters to a new generation.
According to data from baby registry platform Babylist, Lorelai is now among the trendiest names for newborn girls, ranking 333 out of 1,000 babies born in 2025. Its variant, Lorelei, also ranks high on the list at 441. Babylist reports that Lorelai has climbed 69 places since 2024, reaching an all-time high in popularity. The Social Security Administration, which tracks U.S. births, indicates that the name has seen a 70% increase in usage over the past 12 months.
Fans have taken to social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook to share their enthusiasm for the name, with some directly referencing the show as their inspiration. One parent recalled checking their Gilmore Girls DVD collection to ensure the correct spelling for their daughter's name.
While Lorelai and Lorelei have historical roots as German names associated with Rhine river nymphs, and were notably used in literature and film—such as Heinrich Heine's 1824 poem "Die Loreley" and Marilyn Monroe's character Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes—it was Gilmore Girls that significantly propelled the name into popular culture. The series, set in the fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow, centered on the lives of Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter, also named Lorelai. The show was known for its witty writing and its exploration of family dynamics, and it helped launch the careers of actors Melissa McCarthy and Jon Hamm.
The show's resurgence gained momentum when all 153 episodes were added to Netflix. The pandemic era, in particular, saw a significant increase in viewership as Gen Z discovered the series. This renewed interest has extended beyond viewership, with fan culture blossoming on platforms like TikTok, where users create content celebrating Gilmore Girls locations and themes. One such fan transformed her daughter's playroom into a homage to Stars Hollow, complete with replicas of iconic show settings like the local diner and gazebo. Her two-year-old daughter is named Lorelai.