Laurel is considered a “botanical” name mostly because it literally means “laurel tree”. However, it has also been a wonderful gender-neutral name for many years. In the early to mid 1900s, Laurel had a good amount of popularity between both baby boys and girls. Although it dropped off in popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s, it is starting to make a bit of a comeback as parents look to find alternatives to Laura, and Lauren. Also, it is giving parents an option for traditional boy names. Keep reading to find out more about this name.
Meaning of the name Laurel:
Latin: The bay or laurel plant
Origin of the name Laurel:
Latin. Laurel is Latin and it means “laurel tree”.
Symbolism of the name Laurel:
The laurel wreath in ancient Rome symbolized success and peace. It was often worn as a “crown” by aristocrats.
Style of the name Laurel:
Classic
Gender of the name Laurel:
Laurel is a gender-neutral name, although it is more popular as a baby girl name.
Pronunciation of the name Laurel:
la(u)-rel
Syllables in the name Laurel:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Laurel:
The name Laurel evokes a feeling of love, idealism, and romance.
Alternative spellings for the name Laurel:
Laurell, Laurelle, Lorel, Lorelle
Nicknames for the name Laurel:
Elle, Lori, Lou
Popularity of the name Laurel:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Laurel was ranked as the 683rd most popular girl name in 2020. As a boy's name, it was not ranked in the top 1000 names.
Related names for the name Laurel:
Laura, Lauren, Lori, Lorraine
Great middle names for Laurel and their meanings:
Famous people with the name Laurel:
- Laurel Arnell-Cullen (singer)
- Laurel Griggs (actor)
- Laurel Holloman (actor)
- Laurel McGoff (actor)
- Laurel Nakadate (visual artist)
Laurel in movies/pop culture:
- Laurel Banning (character from “All My Children”)
- Laurel Lance (character from “Arrow” TV series)
- Laurel Stevenson (character in the movie “The Langoliers”)
- Laurel(character from “How to Get Away with Murder” TV series)