Girl Name · Latin Origin
Laura
Pick up any 2026 baby-name shortlist and Laura is almost certainly on it. Linguistically, Laura carries the meaning "Laurel", a definition that's reflective without being heavy. With Latin provenance, Laura reads as a name with a passport — at home in multiple cultures and centuries. One thing the editorial team specifically noted about Laura is how naturally it sits across formal and casual contexts — resume to nickname.
In the US Social Security Administration data, Laura currently sits in the top 100, which makes it a widely-loved mainstream favorite. Compared with names of similar style, Laura has held its rank more consistently — a quiet sign of long-term durability. The rhythm is easy — short on syllables but full on character — and it sits comfortably next to most family surnames. If Lara is already on your list, Laura belongs in the same conversation; the sections below dig into pronunciation, nicknames, and sibling fits.
Laura meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Laurel
Origin: Latin naming roots help connect Laura to related Latin baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Laura as L·A·U·R·A, with 5 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Laura is a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick in the Top 100 tier.
Laura variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Lauraa, Laurae, Lauray, Laur.
- Nicknames: Lau and L.
- Middle names: Pair Laura with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Laura middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Lara, Lora, Leora, Lauro, Lauri — full picks on the sibling names for Laura guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Laura? Browse our names like Laura guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Laura
What does the name Laura mean?
Laura means "Laurel" and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of Laura?
Laura originates in Latin naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Laura?
Laura has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Laura a boy's or girl's name?
Laura is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Laura in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Laura sits in the Top 100 tier — a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick.
What names are similar to Laura?
Names that share Laura's sound and style include Lara, Lora, Leora, Lauro, Lauri.
What middle names pair well with Laura?
Good middle-name fits for Laura pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Laura is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Laura is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Laura?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Laura share its rhythm without rhyming — Lara, Lora, Leora all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.