Lola is a diminutive of the name Dolores, meaning "sorrows," from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Maria de los Dolores ("Mary of the Sorrows"). It was first introduced to the English-speaking world as a given name during the 19th century. While Dolores’ popularity peaked in the early 20th century, Lola’s popularity as a stand-alone name rose dramatically throughout the 20th and early 21st century. It has begun to taper off somewhat in recent years.