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Laurie
Pronounced LOR-ee /ˈlɔːriː/High
Meaning: Laurel tree; crowned with laurel; from the Latin laurus, the laurel whose leaves were used to crown victors and poetsHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Laurie is a diminutive of Laura, derived from the Latin laurus meaning 'laurel tree.' The laurel was sacred to Apollo in ancient Rome and was used to crown victorious generals, emperors, and poets — hence the word 'laureate.' The name Laura has been in use since the medieval period, immortalised by the Italian poet Petrarch, who dedicated hundreds of sonnets to his beloved Laura.
Laurie gained wide use as an independent given name in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, enjoying particular popularity in the 1950s–1970s. It is also a traditional Scottish masculine diminutive of Lawrence, but in the United States it has been firmly established as a girls' name. Laurie remains a warm, familiar choice with a bright, vintage character.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Laurie Anderson (1947–present)American avant-garde artist, musician and filmmaker, a pioneering figure in performance art and experimental music known for 'O Superman'.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Laurie mean?
Laurie means 'laurel tree' or 'crowned with laurel,' from the Latin laurus. The laurel symbolised victory and honour in ancient Rome.
How do you pronounce Laurie?
Laurie is pronounced LOR-ee /ˈlɔːriː/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Laurie a boy or girl name?
Laurie is primarily a girls' name in the U.S., though it is also used as a boys' nickname (especially in Scotland) as a diminutive of Lawrence.
How popular is Laurie?
Laurie was most popular in the U.S. in the 1950s–1970s and is now a beloved vintage name with steady but less frequent use.