Historically, this name served as a crowning honor for heroes in ancient Rome, and today, it retains that sense of dignity. While it had its massive popularity peak in the late 20th century, it has settled into a comfortable position as a familiar, beloved classic rather than an overused trend.
Verdict: Laura is a perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you value timelessness over trendiness. It offers the beauty of recognition, everyone can spell and pronounce it, while currently sitting outside the “Top 100,” allowing your daughter to have a name that is universally known but uniquely hers in the classroom.
Laura Overview
- Meaning: Laura means “bay laurel,” symbolizing victory.
- Gender: Laura is traditionally a girl’s name.
- Origin: Laura originated in ancient Rome and came from a Latin word.
- Pronunciation: Laura has several pronunciations but the most popular is “lor-ruh.”
- Popularity: Laura is a popular name.
- Nicknames: Lou, Lolo, Lau.
- Variations: Lauren, Laurel, Lara, Lorna.
- Namesakes: Laura Ingalls Wilder, pioneer wife and author of the Little House on the Prairie series.
What Does Laura Mean?
On the surface, the name Laura is the female version of the Latin word for the bay laurel plant. However, the etymology runs much deeper than botany. In Classical antiquity, the laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo. Its leaves were woven into wreaths and crowns worn by victorious commanders, emperors, and athletes.
Therefore, the true, nuanced meaning of Laura is “victory” or “crowned with honor.” It suggests a person of distinction and achievement. When you name a child Laura, you are giving them a moniker that implies triumph and prestige, rooted in thousands of years of Western history.
Where Does the Name Laura Come From?
Laura is of Latin origin, derived from the word “Laurus.” Its usage as a given name dates back to ancient Rome, though it was often associated with the phrase “laurea” (the laurel tree).
The name gained immense romantic and literary significance in the 14th century due to the Italian Humanist poet Petrarch. He wrote hundreds of sonnets to a woman named Laura, his idealized muse who represented purity and unattainable beauty. This cemented the name in European culture, allowing it to spread through Italy, France, and eventually to England. It has been in consistent use in the English-speaking world since the 19th century.
How Popular is the Name Laura?
Laura is the definition of a “modern classic.” In terms of trajectory, it was a meteoric superstar of the mid-20th century. According to Social Security Administration data, Laura was a Top 20 name in the United States from 1963 all the way through 1985. It defined a generation of women, much like Jennifer or Jessica.
In recent years, the name has cooled off significantly. It is no longer a “trendy” name, having dipped out of the Top 300. This is actually good news for modern parents; it means the name is widely recognized and beloved, but a baby Laura born in 2025 is unlikely to share her name with three other girls in her kindergarten class. It is currently in a “sweet spot” of rarity and familiarity.
How Do I Pronounce Laura?
In American English, the standard pronunciation is LOR-uh. The first syllable rhymes with “door.”
However, because the name is used globally, there are valid variations:
- LAW-ruh: A softer pronunciation common in parts of the UK and the American South.
- L-OW-rah: The Spanish and Italian pronunciation, where the “au” creates a sound similar to “ow” (as in “wow”), and the “r” is slightly rolled.
Is Laura a Boy or Girl Name?
Laura is strictly a female name. While the root “Laurel” has occasionally been used for boys in deep history, Laura has maintained a feminine identity for centuries. The male equivalent would be Laurence, Lawrence, or Lars.
Variations of Laura
Laura is a true linguistic chameleon. Because of its Roman roots, almost every European language has adopted a version of this name.
- Laure: French
- Lara: Russian/Turkish
- Lora: Italian/German spelling
- Laurel: English (Nature variation)
- Loretta: Italian (Diminutive)
- Lowri: Welsh
- Lavra: Slovene
Nicknames for Laura
Laura is short and sweet, so it doesn’t strictly require a nickname, but there are plenty of affectionate options available.
Common Nicknames:
- Lo: A sleek, modern short form.
- Lau: Common in international contexts.
- Lala: A playful option for toddlers.
- Laurie: A retro-cute diminutive.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Aura: Plays on the ending sound of the name; implies a glowing presence.
- Lou: Typically for Louise, but works perfectly for the “Lau” sound in Laura.
- Ra-Ra: A spunky, high-energy option.
Names Similar to Laura
If you love the vibe of Laura, classic, feminine, and intelligent, but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar “acoustic footprint” or era of popularity:
- Julia: Like Laura, this is a Roman classic that never truly goes out of style.
- Clara: Shares the ending sound but feels slightly more “vintage” and Victorian.
- Audrey: Shares the “au” vowel sound and the aura of mid-century elegance.
- Sarah: A biblical alternative that parallels Laura’s popularity pattern.
- Elora: A modern, fantasy-inspired twist that sounds very close to Laura.
- Diana: Another strong, feminine name with Latin roots and royal associations.
- Lydia: Shares the “L” beginning and the soft, flowing cadence.
- Mara: A rhyme for the “Lah-rah” pronunciation, meaning “bitter” or “strength” in Hebrew.
Middle Names for Laura
The two-syllable rhythm of Laura makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs well with short, punchy names or longer, elegant choices.
Timeless & Traditional
These names anchor Laura in history, creating a name that sounds like royalty or a famous author.
Nature & Whimsical
To play up the “Bay Laurel” meaning, pair Laura with other botanical or soft nature names.
Modern & Sleek
If you want to give Laura a contemporary edge, use single-syllable, modern middle names.
- Laura Quinn
- Laura Blair
- Laura Paige
- Laura Sloane
- Laura Reese
Sibling Names for Laura
Building a sib-set around Laura is easy because it plays nicely with both “Grandparent names” and 90s favorites.
For a Brother
- James: The ultimate classic male pairing for Laura.
- Thomas: Reliable, historical, and gentle.
- Daniel: Biblical and strong, matching Laura’s popularity.
- Benjamin: A longer name that flows comfortably with Laura.
- Henry: A vintage choice that feels very current.
For a Sister
- Emily: These two names are frequently found together as timeless sisters.
- Anna: Short, palindrome perfection that balances Laura’s length.
- Caroline: A sweet, Southern-leaning classic.
- Natalie: elegant and sophisticated.
- Claire: A French classic that matches the soft sophistication of Laura.
Famous People Named Laura
- Laura Dern: Academy Award-winning American actress known for Jurassic Park and Marriage Story.
- Laura Bush: Former First Lady of the United States, wife of George W. Bush.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder: The legendary American writer known for the Little House on the Prairie series.
- Laura Linney: Acclaimed American actress known for her roles in theater and television, including Ozark.
- Laura Prepon: Actress best known for her role as Donna Pinciotti on That ’70s Show.
- Laura Marano: American actress and singer, popular with younger generations for her Disney Channel roles.
Laura in Pop Culture
- Laura Palmer: The central figure of the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks.
- Laura Kinney (X-23): The fierce superheroine in Marvel Comics and the film Logan.
- Laura Winslow: The neighbor and love interest of Steve Urkel in the sitcom Family Matters.
- Laura Croft: (Often confused, but the character is Lara Croft) from Tomb Raider; however, the spelling variation is culturally significant.
- “Laura”: A famous 1945 standard song by Johnny Mercer, known for its haunting melody.
FAQs About the Name Laura
Is Laura a Biblical Name?
The name Laura is not in the Bible. However, the tradition of placing laurel leaves on one’s head as a sign of victory is ancient, and the original Latin word “Laurus” shows up in the Bible. Although Laura isn’t a name in the Bible, the original meaning of victory and crowning is a concept almost as old.
Are Laura and Lauren the Same Name?
Laura and Lauren are two different names. However, they both have the same meanings, based on the ancient Roman tradition of giving laurel leaves to champions. Laura and Lauren are technically variants of each other, with Lauren historically being a male name that shifted to female usage in the 20th century.
Is Laura Trending?
Laura is not trending now, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid the name. It has been popular for centuries and is a great choice for parents who want a solid, classic name for their daughter. It is currently considered a “steady classic” rather than a “viral hit.”
Does the Name Laura Have a Spiritual Meaning?
While not directly religious, the laurel tree (Laura) symbolizes resurrection and eternal life in some Christian traditions because the leaves remain green throughout the winter. It represents spiritual victory over death, making it a name with deep, quiet strength.
Is Laura Considered an Old Fashioned Name?
Laura occupies a unique space; it is not quite “vintage” like Beatrice or “modern” like Harper. It is widely viewed as a “timeless” name. While it had a peak in the 80s, its history stretching back to the Middle Ages prevents it from feeling strictly dated to one decade.
What Flowers Go with the Name Laura?
Naturally, the Bay Laurel is the plant associated with the name. However, in the language of flowers, the laurel represents “glory” and “perseverance.” It pairs beautifully with victory flowers like the Palm or Nasturtium (symbolizing patriotism and conquest).
What is the Most Common Spelling of Laura?
“Laura” is the dominant spelling worldwide. Variations like “Lora” exist but are significantly rarer. If you want the traditional, recognizable version that requires no explanation, the spelling L-A-U-R-A is the best choice.
Can Laura Be a Middle Name?
Absolutely. Laura makes an excellent middle name because it starts with a liquid consonant (L) and ends with a vowel (A). This allows it to bridge the gap between a sharp first name (like Kate Laura) or a longer first name (like Elizabeth Laura) without sounding clunky.
