Laura
Laura is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Laurel tree or bay laurel; symbolic of victory and honor.
Origin and history
Laura is historically derived from the Latin word for the laurel tree, long associated with victory and honor. While overwhelmingly used as a female name, historical U.S. records show rare usage for males in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It remains a classic name in Western tradition.
Popularity in the United States
2,579 babies in the United States have been named Laura since 1880. It ranks #2553 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- CA (41 %)
- TX (27.2 %)
- NY (13.1 %)
- IL (7.5 %)
- DC (6.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 27 |
| 1890-1900 | 53 |
| 1900-1910 | 46 |
| 1910-1920 | 97 |
| 1920-1930 | 150 |
| 1930-1940 | 147 |
| 1940-1950 | 105 |
| 1950-1960 | 217 |
| 1960-1970 | 449 |
| 1970-1980 | 454 |
| 1980-1990 | 599 |
| 1990-2000 | 192 |
| 2000-2010 | 38 |
| 2010-2019 | 5 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Nicknames
Laurie, Laur
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths made from the plant were awarded to victorious scholars and commanders.
- Though predominantly a female name, U.S. Social Security records indicate more than 2,500 males received the name since 1880.