Laurey

Meaning & origin

Laurey is a rare given name with roots in the Latin 'laurus', meaning bay laurel or victory. First recorded in the United States in 1947, the name saw its peak usage in 1955, though it never reached the top 1,000 rankings. The name's trajectory has been stable and low in usage, reflecting its status as a less common variant of Laura. While no top states are available for this name, its Southern charm is often associated with the character Laurey Williams from the musical 'Oklahoma!', which premiered in 1943. The name has remained consistently rare over the decades, never surging in popularity but maintaining a quiet presence. Its gentle, feminine sound and connection to the laurel tree give it a classic appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional name.

Laurey is a variant of Laura, which comes from the Latin word 'laurus' meaning 'bay laurel'. The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory in ancient Greece and Rome. Laura was popularized in the 14th century by Petrarch's sonnets to his beloved Laura, and the name has since spawned many variants including Lauren and Laurel. Laurey is a less common spelling, particularly used in the Southern United States.