"laurel tree; bay laurel"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Laurel
Pronunciation: [ l-AWR-uhl ]
Does Laurel flow with your last name?
Ancient symbol of victory, now a nature-lover's gem
English
American
French
Italian
Classic
Elegant
Earthy
Literary
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Meaning & Origin
"honor, victory"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Laurel
Laurel comes from the Latin 'laurus,' the laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). In ancient Greek and Roman tradition, laurel wreaths crowned victorious athletes, military generals, and poets — Julius Caesar wore one famously to conceal his baldness. The phrase 'resting on one's laurels' preserves this ancient honor. As a given name, Laurel emerged in the 19th century as part of the botanical name trend.
Laurel has maintained quiet popularity as a botanical alternative to the more common Laura and Lauren. It appeals to parents who love the Lauren/Laura sound but want something less ubiquitous. The name saw modest gains in the 2010s alongside the revival of vintage botanical names.
The laurel wreath is one of Western civilization's oldest symbols of achievement — from the Pythian Games at Delphi to the word 'laureate' used for Nobel Prize winners and poet laureates today. The Roman sun god Apollo is often depicted with a laurel crown.
Historical Record
Laurel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 38,273 babies have been named Laurel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Laurel is past its peak , currently ranked #727 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The term 'Poet Laureate' comes from the laurel wreath tradition of ancient Greece
- Olympic champions in ancient Greece received laurel wreaths rather than gold medals
Laurel in Other Languages
Latin
Laurus
French
Laurèle
German
Lorbeer
Italian
Lauro
Spanish
Laurel
Popularity Over Time
#727
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1956
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Laurel
L
Laurel and Hardy
Entertainer
1890
Stan Laurel (1890-1965), the Laurel half of the beloved comedy duo Laurel and Hardy
L
Laurel Lance (Black Canary) Fictional
Other
Fictional superhero and attorney in the TV series 'Arrow,' a strong female character in the DC Universe
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Compare Laurel with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #727
- Total SSA Count
- 386
- Cultural Origins
- English American French Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Laur
Laurie
Lauri
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Laurel
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Laurel is also used as a boy name, ranked #19838.
View Laurel as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
What does the name Laurel mean?
"laurel tree; bay laurel" (from Latin). "honor, victory" (from Latin). Laurel comes from the Latin 'laurus,' the laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). In ancient Greek and Roman tradition, laurel wreaths crowned victorious athletes, military generals, and poets — Julius Caesar wore one famously to conceal his baldness. The phrase 'resting on one's laurels' preserves this ancient honor. As a given name, Laurel emerged in the 19th century as part of the botanical name trend.
What is the origin of the name Laurel?
Laurel has Latin, English, American, French, and Italian origins. In Latin, it means "laurel tree; bay laurel". In Latin, it means "honor, victory".
Is Laurel a boy or girl name?
Laurel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #727. As a boy name, it is ranked #19838. Laurel is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Laurel?
Laurel is pronounced l-AWR-uhl.
How popular is the name Laurel?
Laurel is currently ranked #727 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Laurel?
Common nicknames for Laurel include Laur, Laurie, and Lauri.
What are good middle names for Laurel?
Popular middle name pairings include Laurel Ann, Laurel Jean, Laurel Marie, Laurel Kate, Laurel Grace, Laurel Hope, and Laurel Dawn.
What are good sibling names for Laurel?
Names that pair well with Laurel as siblings include Ivy, Violet, Hazel, Rowan, Iris, Hugh, and Edmund.
How many syllables does Laurel have?
Laurel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Laurel a common or rare name?
Laurel is moderately common, ranked #727 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Laurel?
About the Name Laurel
Laurel is a girl name with English, American, French, and Italian origins . The name means "laurel tree; bay laurel" in Latin .
Is Laurel a boy or girl name? Laurel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #727 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,838. Laurel is more commonly used as a girl name.
Laurel is currently ranked #727 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Laurel has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AWR-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Laurel include Laur, Laurie, and Lauri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Laurel include Lauren, Laura, Lauryn, Laurie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis