Dolores

Dolores is the Spanish word for “sorrows,” used as a personal name through a title of the Virgin Mary. That title, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, is translated as “Our Lady of Sorrows.” The name refers to Mary’s suffering in Christian tradition, so its meaning belongs to a devotional context rather than a prediction of sadness in the life of the person who bears it.

It is part of a wider Spanish naming tradition drawn from titles and aspects of the Virgin Mary, alongside names such as Rosario and Mercedes. Lola is a familiar short form, while Dolly is another affectionate option in English. Parents may choose Dolores to honor a relative, a religious tradition, or the full name behind a favorite nickname. Its story is rooted in remembrance and devotion, with a clear Spanish linguistic meaning.