Laura
Laura is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Bay laurel, symbol of victory or honor.
Origin and history
Laura is derived from the Latin word 'laurus', referring to the laurel tree or wreath associated with victory and honor in ancient Rome. It has been a classic and enduring name in the United States, ranking among the most popular female names historically. Today, it remains a timeless choice with strong traditional roots.
Popularity in the United States
801,811 babies in the United States have been named Laura since 1880. It ranks #26 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #366.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.1 %)
- NY (8.3 %)
- TX (7.5 %)
- IL (6 %)
- OH (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 12,806 |
| 1890-1900 | 16,433 |
| 1900-1910 | 15,532 |
| 1910-1920 | 30,549 |
| 1920-1930 | 35,991 |
| 1930-1940 | 25,093 |
| 1940-1950 | 35,071 |
| 1950-1960 | 95,526 |
| 1960-1970 | 174,185 |
| 1970-1980 | 118,204 |
| 1980-1990 | 134,608 |
| 1990-2000 | 67,253 |
| 2000-2010 | 25,043 |
| 2010-2019 | 10,442 |
| 2020-2029 | 5,075 |
Famous people named Laura
- Laura Dern: Actress
- Laura Linney: Actress
- Laura Bush: First Lady, Educator
Nicknames
Laurie, Laur
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, crowns of laurel leaves were presented to victorious generals and distinguished poets.
- 14th-century Italian poet Petrarch famously addressed many of his love sonnets to a woman named Laura.
- Laura ranks among the top 30 most popular female names in the United States based on cumulative birth records since 1880.