Early Life and Education of Lorde: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lorde. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, professionally known as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique approach to pop music and introspective lyrics. Her unconventional style has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. She is one of the most successful musicians from New Zealand.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 1996: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor's Birth

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor was born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand, to Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor.

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2002: Influence of Feed novel

In 2002, The young adult dystopian novel Feed (2002) by M. T. Anderson was cited by Lorde as a lyrical influence.

Feed

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2006: Third place in speech competition

While attending Vauxhall School in 2006, Lorde placed third in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

2007: First place in speech competition

While attending Vauxhall School in 2007, Lorde placed first in the North Shore Primary Schools' Speech competition, a national contest.

2010: Enrollment at Takapuna Grammar School

In 2010, Lorde attended Takapuna Grammar School, completing Year 12.

2013: Completion of Year 12

In 2013, Lorde completed Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School.

2014: Decision Not to Return to School

In 2014, Lorde chose not to return to Takapuna Grammar School to attend Year 13.

2014: Engagement Announcement

In 2014, after a 30-year relationship, Lorde's parents announced their engagement.

January 2016: Relocation to Ponsonby

In January 2016, Lorde relocated to Ponsonby, an inner-city suburb of Auckland.

2016: End of Relationship with James Lowe

From late 2013 to early 2016, Lorde was in a relationship with New Zealand photographer James Lowe.

2017: Parents' Wedding

In 2017, Lorde's parents married in a private ceremony on Cheltenham Beach.

January 2019: Visit to Antarctica

In January 2019, Lorde visited Antarctica, which was later documented in her book 'Going South'.

2025: Gender identity reveal

In 2025, Lorde told Emma Chamberlain that she felt "like a man and a woman", and later revealed to Rolling Stone that she identifies as "in the middle, gender-wise."