Dolores is a feminine given name of Spanish origin.

History

The Spanish word dolores is the plural form of dolor, meaning either sorrow or pain, which derives from the Latin dolor, which has the same meaning and which may ultimately stem from Proto-Indo-European *delh-, "to chop". The usage of Dolores as a given name has its origins in the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church in Spanish-speaking countries. The name is a reference to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (or La Virgen María de los Dolores), one of the many titles of Mary, Mother of Jesus, typically translated to Our Lady of Sorrows in English. In given names, Dolores is frequently preceded by the name Maria (María Dolores), the Spanish form of Mary, or one may even bear the entirety of the title (María de los Dolores) as part of their given name. Notable examples of such include the Spanish noblewoman Juana María de los Dolores de León Smith and the Mexican actress Dolores del Río, who was born María de los Dolores Asúnsolo López-Negrete. Less commonly, one might use de los Dolores as part of their name, but not paired with María. Lola, Loli, Lolis, and Lolita are all popular nicknames for individuals named Dolores, based on the name's second syllable.

Variants

Famous bearers

Deloris

Delores

Dolores

Doloris

Dolours

Lola

Maria Dolores

Fictional characters

Other uses