Laura
Laurel, bay laurel — a girl name of Latin origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Laura
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.
Laura 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Laura
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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.
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