Laura: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LOR-uh · 2 syllables
Laura means “laurel tree”, from Latin.
From Late Latin saint's name Laura, from the feminine form of laurus (“laurel tree”). A post-classical name made famous by Petrarch's sonnets to Laura in the fourteenth century.
- Meaning
- laurel tree
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOR-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #379
- US babies a year
- about 891 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Laurie
How popular is Laura?
Laura was the #379 name in the US in 2025, given to 805 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #379 |
| England & Wales | #178 |
| Scotland | #241 |
| Northern Ireland | #178 |
| Ireland | #114 |
| France | #315 |
| Norway | #140 |
| Canada | #150 |
| Australia | #188 |
How old are people named Laura?
Half of US adults named Laura are older than 54; most are between 28 and 75. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Laura
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Laura have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Laura
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
Questions about Laura
What does the name Laura mean?
Laura means “laurel tree”. It comes from Latin.
How do you pronounce Laura?
Laura is pronounced LOR-uh.
How popular is the name Laura?
Laura was the #379 name in the US in 2025, given to 805 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Laura?
Half of US adults named Laura are older than 54. Most are between 28 and 75.