Laura
Laura: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /lɑːɹə/ · /lɔːɹə/
Meaning and origin of Laura
Root meaning: “laurel tree”
- A female given name from Latin.
Etymology
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.
How popular is Laura?
Since 1880, 801,811 girls and 2,579 boys in the U.S. have been named Laura (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1969. Its highest rank for boys was #592 in 1898. In 2025 it ranked #379 for girls, with 805 babies given the name.
Names similar to Laura
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Laura
Sister and brother names that share Laura's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Laura FAQ
What does the name Laura mean?
Laura traces back to a root meaning "laurel tree". A female given name 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.
What is the origin of the name Laura?
Laura is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Laura?
Since 1880, 801,811 girls and 2,579 boys in the U.S. have been named Laura (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1969. Its highest rank for boys was #592 in 1898. In 2025 it ranked #379 for girls, with 805 babies given the name.
Is Laura a boy or girl name?
Laura is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 801,811 girls and 2,579 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.