A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lauri since 1941
Babies named Lauri per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 159 |
| 1950s | 2,478 |
| 1960s | 5,561 |
| 1970s | 2,095 |
| 1980s | 538 |
| 1990s | 136 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 31 |
| 2020s | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Lauri, a name with both English and Finnish roots, has been quietly used for girls in the United States since at least 1941. It gained modest popularity during the 1960s, peaking in 1961, before declining in usage. However, the name has seen a resurgence in recent years; since 2018, its trajectory has been rising, reflecting a renewed interest in vintage and retro names. In 2025, it was given to approximately 1 in 229,610 newborn girls, ranking 11,932nd in the US. While it never became a top-tier name, Lauri carries a gentle, familiar charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with a classic feel but without widespread modern use. Its connection to the laurel tree lends a subtle botanical, victory-associated meaning, and its cross-cultural versatility adds to its appeal.
Lauri is a variant of 'Lori', which itself derives from 'Laurel', ultimately from the Latin 'Laurentius'. In Finnish, Lauri is a common short form of 'Lauritsa', derived from the Latin 'Laurus' (laurel) or from the Greek 'Laurion'. The name has been used in English-speaking countries as a feminine given name since at least the 1940s, peaking in the United States during the 1960s. In Finland, it has long been a traditional male name, but in the US it is predominantly given to girls.
Where Lauri 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Laur, Lolly
Sibling names for Lauri
Names that share Lauri's style, for a brother or sister.
