Girl · 14th of 19,264
Laura
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
803,566
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1964
Peak Popularity Year
19,008
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Laura stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Laura has Latin origins, meaning 'laurel.' It evolved from the Latin Laurentia and has various forms. Laura is associated with victory and honor, has no biblical relevance, and gained popularity in the Middle Ages. It is seen as a classic name today, with notable figures like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Laura Bush bearing the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːrə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Laura is derived from the Latin word 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel,' which is a symbol of victory and honor.
Meaning
laurel
Language Evolution
Laurentia, Lauretta, Laura
Historical Usage
The name Laura became popular in the Middle Ages, especially in Italy, and has remained a common name across various cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Laurel, Lora, Lauri, Lourdes
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Laura is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with kindness and beauty.
Famous People
Laura Ingalls Wilder, Laura Bush, Laura Linney
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 19,008 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Connecticut
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1953rd of 7545 | 262 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2076th of 6773 | 232 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1568th of 7552 | 477 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1223rd of 10718 | 742 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1683rd of 16616 | 721 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11921st of 24088 | 58 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 61st of 9107 | 74,166 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 106th of 9204 | 46,432 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 31st of 12526 | 205,270 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14th of 19264 | 215,376 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 24th of 27321 | 175,918 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 132nd of 35406 | 41,593 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 338th of 30306 | 11,169 |