Dolores (given name)


Dolores is a feminine given name of Spanish and ultimately Latin and/or Proto-Indo-European 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". However, the usage of Dolores as a given name has its origins in the strong influence that the Roman Catholic Church has on Spain and, by extension, Spanish-speaking countries. The name is a reference to Nuestra Señora 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, the Spanish form of Mary, or one may even bear the entirety of the title 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 nickname for individuals named Dolores, based on the name's second syllable.

Variants

Deloris

Fictional characters