What does laura mean?
Laura is a feminine given name with roots in ancient Rome. In English, it is used for women and girls and is especially associated with Britain, the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, though related forms are widespread across Europe. The name entered English through Latin and other European languages, where it developed as the feminine counterpart of Laurentius. Its familiar sound and international usage have helped it remain recognizable and widely used, while variations such as Lauren developed independently as distinct forms. In literature, film, and music, Laura is also a common name for characters, so associations with a particular work can sometimes overshadow its general use. In ordinary conversation, however, Laura functions simply as a personal name without a special occupational, social, or technical meaning.
proper nounLaura is a feminine given name used in English and many other languages. It is the feminine form of the Latin name Laurentius.
- Laura is a feminine given name of Latin origin, especially common in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and other European languages.
"Laura won the scholarship and began university at the beginning of September."
"Laura met her old friend at the railway station."
"The novel Laura is about a young woman who attempts to remake her life in Amsterdam."
Laura was created by adding a feminine ending to a Roman family name, turning the ancient masculine Laurentius into a name that spread far beyond its Latin roots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laura come from?
Laura developed as the feminine form of the Latin masculine name Laurentius, which in turn was derived from the place-name Laurentum. Laurentum is conventionally associated with Latin laurus, meaning "laurel," although the precise ancient development of the place-name is not entirely certain. European languages adapted the name into forms such as Laura, while other cognates include Lauren and Lorenzo.
How laura is actually used
As a personal name, Laura is capitalized. It is especially common in English-speaking countries, although its frequency and cultural associations vary by region.
Easily confused with laura
Laura and Lauren are distinct feminine given names, although both derive from the Latin name Laurentius.