Laurel
Laurel is a unisex name of Latin origin meaning “bay laurel tree, symbol of victory.” It ranked #734 in the United States in 2025. Derived from the laurel tree, whose leaves were used to crown victors and poets in ancient Rome and Greece.
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how do you pronounce Laurel?
LOR-ul
where does the name Laurel come from?
From the Latin laurus, the laurel tree. Related names include Laura, Lauren, Lori and Lorraine.
The laurel wreath remains a universal symbol of achievement and honor.
how popular is this name?
Laurel has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 119 years since 1883, and fell outside it for 24. It peaked at #241 in 1956, and ranked #734 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #734 |
| 2024 | #729 |
| 2023 | #715 |
| 2022 | #709 |
| 2021 | #637 |
| 2020 | #685 |
| 2019 | #728 |
| 2018 | #620 |
| 2017 | #597 |
| 2016 | #643 |
| 2000 | #562 |
| 1990 | #531 |
| 1980 | #449 |
| 1970 | #382 |
| 1960 | #333 |
| 1956 | #241 |
| 1950 | #282 |
| 1940 | #404 |
| 1930 | #580 |
| 1920 | #880 |
| 1883 | #561 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Laurel fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Laurel?
- Laurel and Hardy (comedy duo)
- Stan Laurel (comedian)
what are the nicknames and variants of Laurel?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Laurel?
what names go well with Laurel?
Sibling names that share Laurel's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Laurel
What does the name Laurel mean?
Laurel means “bay laurel tree, symbol of victory”.
What is the origin of the name Laurel?
Laurel comes from the Latin naming tradition.
How popular is the name Laurel?
Laurel ranked #734 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1956, at #241, and it has spent 119 years in the top 1,000 since 1883.
Is Laurel a boy or girl name?
Laurel is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Laurel?
Laurel is pronounced LOR-ul, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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