Laura is a popular given name of Latin origin that means "laurel" or "bay laurel." It is derived from the Latin word "laurus," which refers to the bay tree or laurel tree. The bay leaf has been used for centuries as a symbol of victory, success, and fame in ancient Rome.
The name Laura became popular during the Middle Ages due to the Italian poet Petrarch's sonnets about his love for a woman named Laura. This romantic association helped to spread the use of the name throughout Europe.
Today, Laura is still a widely used name around the world. It has also inspired several variations and related names such as Lauren, Laurel, Lorraine, and Larissa, among others. Although it does not have any specific associated traits or characteristics, people named Laura are often perceived as elegant, intelligent, and graceful. However, this can vary greatly depending on individual personalities and cultural backgrounds.
In summary, the name Laura has a rich history rooted in ancient Latin culture and literature. Its meaning and origins make it a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Laura has been quite popular among parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with fluctuations in its popularity over time.
In the late 19th century, Laura was consistently among the top 20 names for baby girls each year. Between 1880 and 1897, there were between 1,000 to 1,768 births per year with the name Laura. The peak of this period was in 1898, with 1,768 births.
However, the early 20th century saw a significant decline in the popularity of the name Laura. Between 1900 and 1934, there were fewer than 2,500 births per year with the name Laura, with some years as low as 1,200 births.
The middle of the century brought a resurgence in the popularity of the name Laura. From 1945 to 1968, there were over 10,000 births per year with the name Laura, peaking at 18,742 births in 1968.
The late 20th century saw a decline once again, but not as dramatic as earlier periods. Between 1969 and 2003, there were between 5,000 to 14,000 births per year with the name Laura.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Laura has continued to decline. Between 2004 and 2023, there have been fewer than 2,000 births per year with the name Laura, with some years as low as 800 births.
Overall, over the past century and a half, there have been approximately 800,000 births in the United States with the name Laura. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Laura remains a classic and timeless choice for parents naming their baby girls.