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Laura

♀ Girl

Pronounced LAW-rah /ˈlɔː.rə/High

Meaning: From Latin laurus, the laurel tree, a symbol of victory, honor, and poetry in classical antiquityHigh

In 30 seconds: Laura is a timeless Latin classic meaning 'laurel,' immortalized by Petrarch's famous sonnets and carried by centuries of queens, saints, and pioneers with effortless elegance.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin laurus, the laurel tree, a symbol of victory, honor, and poetry in classical antiquity
U.S. rank (2025)#379 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births805 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1964
Total births (all-time)≈ 801,792

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Laura comes from Latin laurus, the laurel tree sacred to Apollo and used to crown victors and poets. The name was borne by Saint Laura of Córdoba, martyred in 864.

Petrarch's Canzoniere, a cycle of 366 poems addressed to his idealized Laura, made the name synonymous with poetic beauty throughout European culture. It has remained consistently used in the English-speaking world for centuries.

Did you know? Petrarch wrote over 300 love sonnets to a woman named Laura in the 14th century, inspiring the Renaissance tradition of the beloved muse and cementing the name in Western literature forever.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Laura — etymology and literary historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LaurenLaurelLorettaLoraLaura

Nicknames

LauriLollyLora

Famous Bearers

  • ★Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957)
    American author of the Little House on the Prairie series.
  • ★Laura Bush (1946–present)
    First Lady of the United States, 2001–2009, and literacy advocate.

If you like Laura…

Claire— shares the clean, classic Latin-heritage femininity and timeless appeal
Elena— elegant Romance-language name with the same effortless refinement
Diana— classical Latin name with mythology and timeless charm
Nora— same quiet elegance and vintage-without-feeling-dated quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Laura mean?

Laura comes from Latin laurus meaning the laurel tree, a classical symbol of victory and poetic honor.

How do you pronounce Laura?

It is said LAW-rah /ˈlɔː.rə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Laura a timeless name?

Yes, Laura has been in continuous use for centuries and remains a classic choice that never feels outdated.

What are some variations of Laura?

Related names include Lauren, Laurel, Loretta, and Lora.