Laura

Traditionally associated with laurel, often glossed as “laurel” or “laurel-crowned” in Latin-root explanations.

Laura is a feminine given name with Latin roots that has been widely used across Europe and beyond for centuries, making it familiar across multiple generations. Because it appears in so many languages, it’s a name that feels straightforward to spell but can sound slightly different depending on where you are. In English-speaking settings, many people pronounce it as LOR-uh, while in German, Spanish, or Italian contexts you may hear a two-syllable form closer to LOW-ra. The meaning associations are usually connected to laurel, a plant that has been used symbolically in various historical contexts, which is why references often gloss the name in connection with “laurel” or “laurel-crowned.” Etymologically, Laura is commonly linked to the Latin word laurus, and that link is one of the more stable, widely cited explanations for the name. In everyday life, Laura also supports simple nicknames like Laurie, which can make the name feel more casual without changing the formal spelling. A practical tip is to be aware of pronunciation differences in multilingual contexts and to share your preferred local form when introducing yourself or naming a child.

Etymology: From Latin laurus (“laurel”). The name is widely established across European languages, which is why pronunciations vary by locale.