Declining since 1985, #734 for girls today.
Popularity of Laurel since 1883
Babies named Laurel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 42 |
| 1890s | 98 |
| 1900s | 108 |
| 1910s | 366 |
| 1920s | 1,437 |
| 1930s | 1,525 |
| 1940s | 4,890 |
| 1950s | 9,439 |
| 1960s | 6,366 |
| 1970s | 4,065 |
| 1980s | 4,901 |
| 1990s | 4,365 |
| 2000s | 3,445 |
| 2010s | 3,618 |
| 2020s | 2,448 |
Meaning & origin
Laurel has a gentle botanical charm, rooted in the Latin word for the laurel tree, a plant long associated with victory and honor. In the United States, the name first appeared on record in 1883 and peaked in popularity in 1956, the same year it reached its highest rank. Since 1985, its usage has been slowly declining, but it remains a recognizable and well-liked choice, particularly in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi, according to registration data. With a current 1-in-4321 birth rate, Laurel appeals to parents seeking a nature name with classical undertakes, much like its botanical counterparts Hazel and Iris.
Laurel is derived from the Latin word 'laurus', meaning laurel tree. The plant's leaves were used to fashion wreaths for victors in ancient Greece and Rome, giving the name a long association with achievement. In English-speaking countries, it was revived in the 19th century alongside other botanical names and gained steady use through the mid-20th century.
Where Laurel 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.
“Laurel” around the world
Where Laurel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Laurie, Lolly, Rell
Sibling names for Laurel
Names that share Laurel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hazel, Iris, Violet, Pearl, Ruby, Julieanne, Jocelynne, Lyndall, Sharrell, Sherise, Dawnell, Lorel, Loriel, Yalanda, Merin, Sayward
Brothers: Oliver, Felix, Jasper, Arthur, Walter, Terrence, Forest, Linden, Durell, Durrell, Lavell, Martell, Sylvan, Almond, Charron, Garrin, Kenric, Darelle, Jarrick, Calden, Jerritt
Names like Laurel
Names whose popularity has moved with Laurel's over the last 50 years.
