Laura

girlLatinChristian

Laura is a Christian girl name of Latin origin, meaning “Laurel, bay tree”.

MeaningLaurel, bay tree
GenderGirl
OriginLatin
PronunciationLOR-uh
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inWorldwide

Meaning and origin of Laura

Laura is the feminine form of the Latin Laurus, 'laurel', the bay tree whose leaves crowned victors in ancient Rome. It became famous through Petrarch's fourteenth-century love poems to Laura, which made it a literary name across Europe. Saint Laura of Córdoba, a ninth-century martyr, also carried it. Laura has been popular in the English-speaking world, Spain, Italy and Germany for much of the twentieth century.

Is Laura a Christian name?

Laura is not a biblical name; it is a Latin name used widely by Christian families and borne by a few saints, though most parents choose it without a religious reason.

How popular is Laura?

A classic, widely used name across Europe and the Americas.

Gifts with the name Laura

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Spellings and variants of Laura

LoraLaureLaurenLaurelLavra

Names similar to Laura

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Laura mean?

Laura means 'Laurel, bay tree'. It is of Latin origin.

Is Laura a Christian name?

Laura is not a biblical name; it is a Latin name used widely by Christian families and borne by a few saints, though most parents choose it without a religious reason.

How do you pronounce Laura?

Laura is pronounced LOR-uh.

Is Laura a boy or girl name?

Laura is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.