Laurel
Laurel is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Laurel tree, or symbol of victory.
Origin and history
Laurel is derived from the Latin word for the laurel tree, a traditional symbol of victory and honor. Although far more common for females in modern times, it has a long history of rare usage as a masculine given name in the United States. Today it remains a distinctive, nature-inspired choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
1,860 babies in the United States have been named Laurel since 1880. It ranks #2975 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1921.
States where it is most popular
- MN (36.4 %)
- IN (13.7 %)
- MI (11.5 %)
- IL (10.9 %)
- WI (5.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 10 |
| 1890-1900 | 16 |
| 1900-1910 | 34 |
| 1910-1920 | 286 |
| 1920-1930 | 521 |
| 1930-1940 | 350 |
| 1940-1950 | 255 |
| 1950-1960 | 164 |
| 1960-1970 | 103 |
| 1970-1980 | 44 |
| 1980-1990 | 57 |
| 1990-2000 | 14 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 6 |
Famous people named Laurel
- Laurel Aitken: Singer, Musician
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths woven from laurel leaves were presented to victorious scholars and athletes.
- While predominantly feminine today, Laurel has been continuously recorded for males in U.S. birth statistics since the 19th century.