Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Laurel
GirlEnglish, Latin· “laurel tree”
- Meaning
- laurel tree
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LOR-uhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #734
- US babies 2025
- 372
- Best rank
- #241 (1956)
- Peak year
- 1956
Meaning and origin of Laurel
Laurel is an English and Latin name that means “laurel tree”.
Laurel is the English name of the bay laurel, an evergreen tree of the Mediterranean, from the Latin laurus. In Greek myth the nymph Daphne was turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, who then made the laurel his sacred plant. Laurel wreaths crowned victors at the Pythian Games and later became a Roman sign of triumph, which is why a poet laureate is so called. As a given name, Laurel came into use in the late nineteenth century along with other plant names. Laura is usually traced to the same Latin root, and Laurie is a common nickname.
Popularity over time
Laurel first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 118 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #241 in 1956, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,181 babies. In 2025, 372 babies were named Laurel, and it ranked #734 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #883 in 1920, #282 in 1950, #449 in 1980, #564 in 2000, #1,067 in 2010, and #734 in 2025. Of the 47,113 US girls named Laurel since records began, 20% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 6,366 babies. Since 2010, 6,066 more have been named Laurel.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mona, Lucinda, Sheree, Jeannie, and Jeri.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Laurel ranked highest in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #255 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #308 | 36 |
| Wisconsin | #407 | 13 |
| Alabama | #462 | 11 |
| Tennessee | #466 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Laurel is usually pronounced LOR-uhl, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Laurel
A few middle names that flow with Laurel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Laurel
Similar names
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Lists that include Laurel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Laurel mean?
Laurel is an English and Latin name that means “laurel tree”.
What is the origin of the name Laurel?
Laurel has English and Latin roots. Laurel is the English name of the bay laurel, an evergreen tree of the Mediterranean, from the Latin laurus.
Is Laurel a popular name?
Yes. Laurel ranked #734 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Laurel a boy or girl name?
Laurel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Laurel?
Laurel is usually pronounced LOR-uhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings