Declining since 1985, #379 for girls today.
Popularity of Laura since 1880
Babies named Laura per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12,806 |
| 1890s | 16,433 |
| 1900s | 15,532 |
| 1910s | 30,549 |
| 1920s | 35,991 |
| 1930s | 25,093 |
| 1940s | 35,071 |
| 1950s | 95,526 |
| 1960s | 174,185 |
| 1970s | 118,204 |
| 1980s | 134,608 |
| 1990s | 67,253 |
| 2000s | 25,043 |
| 2010s | 10,442 |
| 2020s | 5,075 |
Meaning & origin
Laura has maintained a presence in the United States for over a century, first recorded in 1880. Its peak popularity came in 1968, when it was a top name nationwide. Since 1985, the name has been on a gradual decline, yet it remains familiar and well-used. In 2025, Laura ranked 379th, with about 1 in every 1,997 baby girls receiving the name. It is most common in Montana, Massachusetts, and Mississippi. While no longer among the top favorites, Laura endures as a classic choice with deep roots in Latin culture and literature.
Laura is the feminine form of the Latin name Laurus, meaning 'laurel.' In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were bestowed upon victors and poets, giving the name connotations of honor and accomplishment. It was popularized in the Middle Ages through Saint Laura of Cordoba and later by Petrarch's muse, Laura, in his 14th-century sonnets. The name has been consistently used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Where Laura is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Laura” around the world
Where Laura lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
180
babies in 2024
Ireland
41
babies in 2025
New Zealand
16
babies in 2025
Quebec
#66
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Laurie, Lori, Lolly
Sibling names for Laura
Names that share Laura's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Julia, Clara, Martha, Rosa, Amy, Anna, Carol, Carrie, Christina, Dana, Julie, Silvia, Tina, Valerie, Marcy, Tabatha, Cristen, Jeni, Karren, Lynna, Clarinda, Loreta, Lynde, Chlora, Christyne, Deeana, Larua, Loralyn, Luiza, Meganne, Anacarolina, Cyera, Laurrie, Mariaeduarda, Rachelann
Brothers: David, Peter, Thomas, Henry, James, Adam, Alan, Allen, Chad, Chris, Dave, Glenn, Greg, Kent, Michael, Tim, Ken, Mauro, Loris, Miquel, Paulino, Chriss, Stefen, Maikel, Kinnie
Names like Laura
Names whose popularity has moved with Laura's over the last 50 years.
