Laurel
Laurel is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Laurel tree, bay tree, or symbol of victory.
Origin and history
Laurel is a feminine name derived from the Latin term for the bay laurel tree, long symbolic of victory and honor in ancient Mediterranean cultures. It gained popularity as a nature name in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the United States, it remains a well-established classical botanical choice.
Popularity in the United States
47,113 babies in the United States have been named Laurel since 1880. It ranks #610 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #685.
States where it is most popular
- CA (13.5 %)
- NY (7.7 %)
- IL (6.4 %)
- OH (5.6 %)
- PA (5.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 42 |
| 1890-1900 | 98 |
| 1900-1910 | 108 |
| 1910-1920 | 366 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,437 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,525 |
| 1940-1950 | 4,890 |
| 1950-1960 | 9,439 |
| 1960-1970 | 6,366 |
| 1970-1980 | 4,065 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,901 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,365 |
| 2000-2010 | 3,445 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,618 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,448 |
Famous people named Laurel
- Laurel Clark: astronaut, physician
- Laurel Hamilton: author, novelist
Nicknames
Laurie, Laur, Lori
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths made from laurel leaves were awarded to victors in athletics and poetry.
- Laurel emerged alongside other late Victorian botanical names like Rose, Lily, and Hazel.