Laure is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the word "laurus," which means "laurel." The laurel plant was sacred to the Roman goddess of wisdom and art, Minerva, and was also used as a symbol of victory in ancient Rome.
The name Laure has been popular throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often given to girls born around the time of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th, as it was believed that laurels were first brought into Europe by angels on that day. The name also gained prominence during the Renaissance due to its association with learning and wisdom.
In literature, Laure is the protagonist of "Laure" by Maurice Genevoix, a French novel about a young woman's journey towards independence and self-discovery. It has also been used as a character name in works by other authors such as George Sand and Henri Troyat.
Today, Laure continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. Its meaning, association with wisdom and victory, and historical significance make it a timeless option that spans generations and cultures.
The name Laure has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were sporadic years with a handful of births registered each year for the name Laure, starting from just five births in both 1886 and 1914.
The popularity of the name began to rise significantly in the 1950s. In 1951, there were 24 births registered, marking a notable increase from previous decades. The following year saw an even greater jump to 26 births. This trend continued with 36 births in 1954 and reached its peak in 1958 with 78 births.
However, the popularity of Laure began to decline after the late 1950s. By the mid-1960s, the number of annual births had fallen back down to around 30 or fewer each year. This downward trend persisted into the 1970s and 1980s, with some years seeing as few as six births registered for the name.
In recent decades, Laure has remained relatively uncommon in the United States. Between the years 2000 and 2019, there were only seven births registered annually on average, with a total of just 57 births over those two decades combined.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity throughout history, the name Laure continues to be a unique and classic choice for parents looking for something distinctive. Its historic usage demonstrates that it has been cherished by families across generations, despite not having widespread mainstream appeal.