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Laurel

♀ Girl

Pronounced LAW-rul /ˈlɔːr.əl/High

Meaning: From the Latin laurus, meaning 'laurel tree'; the laurel was sacred to Apollo in Greek and Roman tradition and used to crown victors, poets, and emperors, symbolizing honor, achievement, and gloryHigh

In 30 seconds: Laurel is a graceful botanical name rooted in ancient symbols of honor and victory. Quieter than Lauren and fresher than Laura, it has a clean vintage quality that is gaining appreciation as parents seek botanical names with classical depth.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom the Latin laurus, meaning 'laurel tree'; the laurel was sacred to Apollo in Greek and Roman tradition and used to crown victors, poets, and emperors, symbolizing honor, achievement, and glory
U.S. rank (2025)#734 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births372 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1956
Total births (all-time)≈ 47,111

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195618832025

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

History & Origin

Laurel is a Latin botanical name from laurus, the laurel tree sacred to Apollo. Laurel wreaths crowned Olympic victors in ancient Greece and Roman emperors and poets (the word laureate comes from the same root). As a given name, Laurel entered English use in the 19th century alongside other botanical names.

Laurel has been consistently used in the United States throughout the 20th century, often alongside Lauren and Laura. It has been quietly rising in the 2010s and 2020s as nature names and botanical names gain favor and parents seek the freshness of Laurel over the more common Lauren.

Did you know? The phrase resting on your laurels comes from the ancient Greek and Roman practice of crowning athletes and victors with laurel wreaths. The expression means to rely on past achievements — showing how deeply the laurel's symbolism of honor and victory permeated culture that we still use the idiom today.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Laurel — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LauraLaurenLorelle

Nicknames

LaurLoriEllie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Laurel…

Laura— the closest related Latin name sharing the laurus root and the same classical elegance
Ivy— shares the botanical vine/plant name with the same classical overtone of achievement
Willow— fellow graceful tree name with the same quiet, natural feminine elegance
Fern— shares the botanical one-word nature name with the same understated vintage grace

Frequently Asked

What does the name Laurel mean?

Laurel means 'laurel tree' from Latin laurus. The laurel was sacred to Apollo and symbolized victory, honor, and achievement in ancient Greece and Rome.

How do you pronounce Laurel?

Laurel is pronounced LAW-rul /ˈlɔːr.əl/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Laurel a nature name?

Yes, Laurel is a botanical name referring to the laurel tree, in the same family as Ivy, Willow, and Fern.

Is Laurel becoming more popular?

Laurel has been quietly rising in the U.S. as parents seek botanical names with classical depth as an alternative to the more common Lauren.