Laurel Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Laurel originates from the Latin word for 'bay tree', symbolizing victory and honor. It has evolved through various forms in language, maintaining its positive associations throughout history. Although it has no direct biblical relevance, it has gained popularity in modern times as a classic name that embodies achievement and elegance.
The name Laurel is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Laurel has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Laurel' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 995th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1197th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1983rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4113th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7890th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 770th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 484th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 308th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 452nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 505th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 754th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 702nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Laurel' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Laurel"
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːrəl/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Laurel is derived from the Latin word 'laurus', which means 'bay tree' or 'laurel tree'. In ancient times, laurel leaves were used to create wreaths for victors and were symbols of honor and achievement.
Meaning
Victory, honor, achievement
Language Evolution
Laurentia (Latin), Laureola (Latin), Laurel (Middle English), Laurel (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Laurel gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine name that symbolizes victory and honor.
Variants & Derivatives
Laura, Lauretta, Lori
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Laurel is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with nature and serenity. It retains a positive connotation of success and beauty.
Famous People
Laurel Clark (NASA astronaut), Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (historian and author), Laurel and Hardy (comedy duo)
Explore More Laurel Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Laurel"
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 of "Laurel"
"Laurel" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 995th of 7545 | 761 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1197th of 6773 | 597 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1983rd of 7552 | 308 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4113th of 10718 | 102 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7890th of 16616 | 60 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 770th of 9107 | 1,590 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 484th of 9204 | 3,892 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 308th of 12526 | 15,780 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 452nd of 19264 | 7,400 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 505th of 27321 | 7,374 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 754th of 35406 | 5,637 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 702nd of 30306 | 4,916 |
Regional Popularity of "Laurel" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
39.34% 557th/1416 |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
43.53% 673rd/1546 |
75.26% 1171st/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
53.44% 1190th/2227 |
- | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Laurel" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
38.84% 550th/1416 |
48.37% 667th/1379 |
83.14% 1967th/2366 |
33.27% 380th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
22.45% 347th/1546 |
24.10% 375th/1556 |
49.26% 1159th/2353 |
19.26% 298th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
10.15% 226th/2227 |
11.15% 271st/2430 |
22.08% 630th/2853 |
8.47% 235th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.82% 406th/2937 |
12.60% 439th/3483 |
16.52% 581st/3518 |
9.30% 376th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.62% 502nd/3685 |
11.42% 511th/4475 |
10.51% 546th/5194 |
7.17% 453rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
17.87% 819th/4582 |
13.57% 701st/5164 |
9.49% 694th/7313 |
11.19% 835th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.07% 720th/3984 |
15.40% 691st/4487 |
9.12% 622nd/6822 |
14.05% 882nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Laurel"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Laurel" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.