Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lura
Girl
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- LOOR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #202 (1885)
- Peak year
- 1917
Meaning and origin of Lura
The origin of Lura is uncertain.
Lura was used in the US in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and its origin is not documented. It may be a variant of Laura, which comes from the Latin laurus, bay laurel, or a short form of names such as Lurline. It could also have been chosen purely for its sound, a common practice at the time. Because none of these explanations can be confirmed, no single meaning is given. The name is usually said LOOR-uh. Lura has a soft, quiet vintage feel and sits beside Laura, Lula and Lora.
Popularity over time
Lura has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 68 different years. Its best national rank was #202 in 1885, and the most babies received it in 1917, when 230 were named Lura. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #508 in 1920, #1,049 in 1950, #3,461 in 1980, #6,115 in 2000, and #11,855 in 2010. Of the 9,550 US girls named Lura since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 1,553 babies. Since 2010, 139 more have been named Lura.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Albina, Leta, Dovie, Floy, and Rowena.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lura is usually pronounced LOOR-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Lura
A few middle names that flow with Lura: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lura
Similar names
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lee-OR-uh
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OR-uh
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Lists that include Lura
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lura mean?
The origin of Lura is uncertain.
Is Lura a popular name?
No. Lura was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Lura a boy or girl name?
Lura is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lura?
Lura is usually pronounced LOOR-uh. 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