Laurel is a given name of English origin that means "laurel tree." The laurel tree is an evergreen plant with dark green leaves and small white flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. In ancient times, laurel wreaths were worn as symbols of victory or honor.
The name Laurel has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a renowned historian, and Laurel Holloman, an American actress. However, it is not widely popular as a given name, ranking outside the top 1000 names for girls in the United States according to recent data from the Social Security Administration.
Despite its lack of popularity as a given name, Laurel has been used in literature and pop culture. For example, Laurel is the main character's surname in "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, and there is a character named Laurel in the popular television series "Breaking Bad.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Laurel:
From 1883 to 2023, a total of 46,348 babies were named Laurel in the United States. The popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more than twice as many births as others.
During the early years recorded (1883-1900), the number of babies named Laurel ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 16 per year. However, starting in 1923, there was a significant increase in popularity, with 202 births that year alone.
The peak years for the name Laurel were between 1945 and 1957, when the number of babies named Laurel ranged from a low of 530 to a high of 1,181 per year. This period saw a significant increase in popularity compared to earlier decades.
After the 1950s, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Laurel. However, it remained relatively stable throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with around 300-500 births per year.
In recent years, from 2011 to 2023, the number of babies named Laurel has ranged from a low of 233 to a high of 464 per year. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Laurel remains a recognizable and popular name choice for parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Laurel has varied over the past century and a half, it has consistently been chosen by thousands of parents each year, demonstrating its enduring appeal.