imieniny.org — polskie imiona

Laura — Name Day, Meaning & Origin

Female Polish given name · 4036 births in 2024 (rank 4)

An elegant female name of Latin lineage, meaning "laurel".

Pronunciation

/ˈlaw.ra/ · LOW-rah

Meaning

Laura derives from the Latin word laurus, meaning "laurel, bay tree". Because laurel leaves were woven into victors' wreaths in ancient Rome, the name carries associations of triumph, glory and distinction.

Origin & history

The name developed as a feminine form of the Late Latin Laurus. It was made famous by the medieval poet Petrarch, who devoted a cycle of sonnets to his beloved Laura. In Poland it became widespread relatively late, and in recent years it has grown into one of the more fashionable names for girls thanks to its international, melodious sound.

Etymology

The direct source is the Latin laurus — "laurel, bay", a plant that symbolized victory and poetic fame in classical culture.

Declension (Polish cases)

NominativeLaura
GenitiveLaury
DativeLaurze
AccusativeLaurę
InstrumentalLaurą
LocativeLaurze
VocativeLauro

Name day (imieniny)

In Poland, Laura celebrates its name day on 17 June, 19 October.

Diminutives

Laurka, Laurcia, Laurusia, Lala.

Forms in other languages

The name has an almost identical form across many languages; related forms include Laure (French), Laura (Italian, Spanish, German, English) and Lára (Icelandic).

Notable people named Laura

Laura de Noves — Provençal lady, the presumed muse and beloved of Petrarch.
Laura Samojłowicz — Polish stage, film and voice-over actress.
Laura Ingalls Wilder — American writer, author of the "Little House on the Prairie" series.

Popularity

In recent years Laura has been among the frequently chosen and rising names for girls in Poland.

Similar names

Maja Zofia Zuzanna Hanna Julia Oliwia Pola Alicja