Lory

Meaning & origin

Lory is a diminutive or variant of Laura, with roots in the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'bay laurel'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1923. Its peak year was 1962, though it never ranked in the top 1000, remaining a relatively uncommon choice. Over the decades, its usage has been stable at very low levels. While no specific states show a particular affinity for Lory, the name fits a style of mid-century diminutives that were fashionable in the 1950s and 1960s. As a short, friendly name, Lory shares the sound and feel of other names like Lori and Laurie. Its trajectory has been flat, with no significant revival in recent years.

Lory is a short form or variant of Laura, which is the feminine form of the Latin name Laurus, meaning 'bay laurel'. The laurel was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. Lory emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world, particularly in the 20th century, though it never reached widespread popularity.