Laura
Laura is a girl name of Latin origin meaning “Laurel, bay laurel”, pronounced LOR-uh. It ranked #379 in the United States in 2025, given to 805 babies, and peaked at #10 in 1969. Common nicknames: Laur, Lori, Laurie.
How popular is Laura in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Laura mean, and where does it come from?
Laura derives from the Latin "laurus," meaning "laurel" or "bay laurel tree." In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors and poets as symbols of honor, triumph, and wisdom. The name was immortalized by the 14th-century Italian poet Petrarch, who devoted much of his celebrated sonnets to a woman named Laura. His poetry established the name as a symbol of idealized beauty and love in Western literature. Laura was extremely popular throughout the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, and remains a timeless, elegant classic in many countries around the world.
How is Laura used around the world?
Laura is used in 9 languages worldwide, with 15+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Laura?
Famous People Named Laura
- Laura Bush — former First Lady of the United States
- Laura Dern — American Academy Award-winning actress
- Laura Ingalls Wilder — American author of the Little House books
Similar Names to Laura
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Sibling Name Ideas for Laura
Looking for names that pair well with Laura? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Laura mean?
Laura is a girl name of Latin origin meaning "Laurel, bay laurel." Laura derives from the Latin "laurus," meaning "laurel" or "bay laurel tree." In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors and poets as symbols of honor, triumph, and wisdom.
How do you pronounce Laura?
Laura is pronounced LOR-uh. Common variations include Laurel, Lauren, Lora.
Is Laura a girl name?
Yes, Laura is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Laur, Lori, Laurie.