Laurel Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationLAWR-uhl / /ˈlɔːr.əl/Latin; English
Meaning
Latin: laurel tree; English: victory
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Laurel is derived from the Latin word 'laurus,' which refers to the laurel tree, a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. In classical mythology, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors in athletic competitions and were associated with the god Apollo. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often as a feminine name, but it has also been adopted for boys. Its association with nature and victory gives it a positive connotation.
Trend Summary
The name Laurel has seen limited use for boys in the United States, with a slight increase in popularity in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Lorel
- Lorrel
International Variants
- Laurent (French)
- Lorenzo (Italian)
Famous people named Laurel
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Fictional characters named Laurel
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Laurel was first seen in the United States in 1887. Laurel has ranked as high as #829 nationally, which occurred in 1926, and has been most popular in Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. In the past 5 years the name Laurel has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Laurel (1960)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1887 | 5 |
| 1889 | 5 |
| 1895 | 5 |
| 1896 | 6 |
| 1898 | 5 |
| 1902 | 6 |
| 1903 | 6 |
| 1904 | 9 |
| 1905 | 6 |
| 1908 | 7 |
| 1910 | 6 |
| 1911 | 11 |
| 1912 | 23 |
| 1913 | 22 |
| 1914 | 36 |
| 1915 | 40 |
| 1916 | 31 |
| 1917 | 44 |
| 1918 | 44 |
| 1919 | 29 |
| 1920 | 55 |
| 1921 | 55 |
| 1922 | 54 |
| 1923 | 55 |
| 1924 | 48 |
| 1925 | 39 |
| 1926 | 69 |
| 1927 | 66 |
| 1928 | 38 |
| 1929 | 42 |
| 1930 | 33 |
| 1931 | 34 |
| 1932 | 49 |
| 1933 | 37 |
| 1934 | 47 |
| 1935 | 30 |
| 1936 | 37 |
| 1937 | 29 |
| 1938 | 26 |
| 1939 | 28 |
| 1940 | 35 |
| 1941 | 21 |
| 1942 | 39 |
| 1943 | 25 |
| 1944 | 23 |
| 1945 | 24 |
| 1946 | 18 |
| 1947 | 30 |
| 1948 | 17 |
| 1949 | 23 |
| 1950 | 16 |
| 1951 | 19 |
| 1952 | 20 |
| 1953 | 21 |
| 1954 | 18 |
| 1955 | 24 |
| 1956 | 16 |
| 1957 | 9 |
| 1958 | 12 |
| 1959 | 9 |
| 1960 | 16 |
| 1961 | 7 |
| 1962 | 13 |
| 1963 | 8 |
| 1964 | 12 |
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 11 |
| 1967 | 9 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1969 | 11 |
| 1970 | 6 |
| 1971 | 6 |
| 1974 | 10 |
| 1976 | 8 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 12 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 2022 | 6 |