Laura: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are traditional cultural celebrations marking the feast day of a saint or holy figure associated with a given name. The name Laura, known for its classic origins and elegant mood, maintains widespread popularity globally. Derived from the Latin word for the victorious laurel plant, it has a long history of use as a feminine identifier. Laura's associated name days are widely celebrated across Europe, including numerous dates in January, April, June, August, and October. This enduring popularity and sophisticated feel make Laura a truly international classic.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Laura's name day is celebrated
on January 15 in Norway and Sweden,
January 18 in Estonia and Finland,
April 18 in Latvia,
June 1 in Czechia and Spain,
June 5 in Slovakia,
June 17 in Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania and Poland,
August 10 in Croatia, Greece and the USA,
August 18 in Ukraine and
October 19 in Lithuania and Spain.
The Story Behind This Name
Laura is a timeless feminine name that has maintained significant popularity across the United States and globally, particularly in European and Latin American countries. It saw immense success in the US during the mid-20th century, frequently ranking in the top 50 girl names from the 1940s through the 1970s. Its historical usage dates back to medieval times, notably gaining traction following the Renaissance period due to literary influences. In many parts of the world, like Italy, Spain, and Poland, Laura remains a well-loved classic choice. The name demonstrates strong staying power, often moving slightly down the rankings in the US but consistently remaining familiar and recognizable.
Name origin and meaning
The name Laura is derived ultimately from the Latin word *laurus*, which directly translates to "laurel." This plant, the bay laurel tree, held immense cultural significance in ancient Rome and Greece. It was the material used to create the laurel wreath, a symbol of honor, victory, and high achievement. Consequently, the name Laura is commonly understood to mean "laurel wreath" or "victory." It also carries connotations related to wisdom and poetic achievement.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Laura is overwhelmingly identified globally as a female given name. In nearly every culture where it is used, from North America to Europe and South America, it is strictly assigned to women. There are no notable established instances of Laura being used as a masculine name in major regions or countries. While some linguistically related names might appear unisex or masculine, Laura itself maintains a strong, traditionally feminine identity. Therefore, it is classified universally as a female name.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Laura conveys a timeless and inherently elegant mood. It possesses a smooth, sophisticated tone, often perceived as both classic and subtly romantic. The sound structure is soft and flowing, avoiding harsh consonants, which contributes to a gentle overall vibe. It evokes an image of intellectual grace and historical depth. The resulting personality association is usually one of refinement and maturity.
A Name’s Journey Through Languages
Laura - English (Standard form)
Lára - Icelandic (Accent on 'a')
Lora - Bulgarian (No 'u' sound)
Laura - Estonian (More common as a male name)
Lauře - Czech (Dative case variation)
Làura - Scottish Gaelic (Stress on first syllable)
Loredana - Italian (Diminutive/variant)
Laurė - Lithuanian (Added diacritic)
Lavra - Russian (Rare, church-related meaning)
Lauara - Portuguese (Less common misspelling variant)
Notable and famous people: Laura
Laura Pausini – Italian singer, Grammy-winning pop icon.
Laura Dern – American actress, known for "Jurassic Park."
Laura Ingalls Wilder – American author, wrote "Little House" series.
Laura Linney – American actress, starred in "Ozark" and "The Big C."
Laura Bush – American former First Lady, literacy advocate.
Laura Marling – British folk singer-songwriter, Mercury Prize winner.
Laura Esquivel – Mexican author, wrote "Like Water for Chocolate."
Laura Prepon – American actress, starred in "That '70s Show."
Laura Trott – British Olympic cyclist, multiple gold medalist.
Laura Geller – American makeup artist, beauty brand founder.
Laura: A Name with a Mystery
Did you know that this name is also a thrilling novel? Laura by Vera Caspary is a gripping mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It tells the story of a detective investigating the murder of a woman named Laura—only to discover that things aren’t as they seem. With unexpected twists, romance, and suspense, this book became a classic of crime fiction. It even inspired a famous film adaptation! If you love a good mystery, Laura is definitely worth checking out.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Laura
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 8 – The Powerhouse.
Keywords: Power, ambition, material success, authority, confidence.
Positive Traits: Strong-willed, business-minded, disciplined, ambitious, efficient.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, controlling, or work-obsessed.
Life Path Meaning: A path focused on achieving success, power, and financial security.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 4 - The Builder.
Traits: Practical, disciplined, hardworking, stable.
Strengths: Reliable, strong work ethic, good organizer, structured.
Challenges: Can be rigid, stubborn, or struggle with change.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Saturn - Discipline, Responsibility, Structure.
Saturn represents discipline, structure, and perseverance. Names influenced by Saturn often belong to individuals who are serious, wise, and highly responsible. These names reflect resilience, patience, and a strong work ethic. People with Saturn-ruled names tend to be grounded and practical, often taking on leadership roles that require long-term planning and commitment.
Name days: Name Laura
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
Norway | January | 15 | Laura, Laurits |
Sweden | January | 15 | Laura, Lorentz |
Estonia | January | 18 | Lauli, Laura |
Finland | January | 18 | Laura |
Latvia | April | 18 | Dana, Hildegarde, Jadviga, Laura, Nameisis |
Czechia | June | 1 | Laura |
Spain | June | 1 | Alta, Candelaria, Gracia, Graciano, Inigo, Jimena, Laura |
Slovakia | June | 5 | Laura |
Croatia | June | 17 | Adolf, Laura, Nevenka |
Hungary | June | 17 | Alida, Laura |
Lithuania | June | 17 | Adolfas, Daugantas, Laura, Vilmante |
Poland | June | 17 | Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Agnieszka, Alf, Drogomysł, Franciszek, Laura, Marcjan, Radomił, Rainer, Wolmar |
Croatia | August | 10 | Laura, Lovro dakon |
Greece | August | 10 | Evlampia, Laura |
USA | August | 10 | Herb, Herbert, Herbie, Heriberto, Larry, Laura, Laurean, Laurel, Lauren, Laurence, Laurie, Lauryn, Lawrence, Lora, Loren, Lorena, Lorenzo, Loretta, Lori, Lorraine |
Ukraine | August | 18 | Flora, Laura, Myron |
Lithuania | October | 19 | Geisvilas, Kantrime, Kleopatra, Laura |
Spain | October | 19 | Laura |
Laura An Elegant International Classic
In conclusion, Laura is a deeply traditional feminine name that successfully bridges historical usage with modern appeal. Its global popularity confirms its status as an international classic, while its origin links it directly to symbols of victory and honor. The name maintains a graceful and elegant mood, reinforced by its consistently female gender classification worldwide. The wide array of name day celebrations, spanning various months across countries like Spain, Hungary, and the USA, underscores its cultural significance. Laura remains an enduring choice defined by refinement and historical depth.
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