Laurel
/ˈlɔɹ.əl/
Laurel is an English nature name from the Latin laurus, the laurel tree. Laurel wreaths were awarded to victorious Roman generals and Olympic champions in the ancient world, making the name a direct symbol of honor, achievement, and distinction.
In Greek mythology, the laurel was sacred to Apollo—the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree to escape him, and thereafter Apollo wore laurel as a token of his devotion.
The tree became associated with poetry, music, and intellectual achievement.
What the name Laurel means
Laurel peaked at No. 241 in 1956 with 1,181 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 728 with 386 births, part of the broader botanical name revival.
The name is associated with the comic duo Laurel and Hardy, giving it unexpected comedic connotations alongside its classical honorific ones.
More recently, the character Laurel Lance from the Arrow TV series (2012-2020) gave it a modern heroic profile.
Two syllables—LAW-rel—feel grounded and distinctive. The liquid consonants and rounded vowels give it a nature-name warmth without the sweetness of Rose or the directness of Leaf.
Parents who choose Laurel often value its combination of classical symbolism and botanical freshness, a name that works as both a reference to ancient honors and a nature name for the modern era.
Related names from the same laurus root include Laura, Lauren, Loretta, Lars, and Lawrence—all crowned with the same ancient laurel.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Laurel
Laurel - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity