Laura

How many girls were given this name in 2009?

499

Meaning

Laura is an Italian short form of the name Laurentia, which is a feminine form of the Roman name Laurentius meaning 'person from (the town) Laurentum'.

Popularity

Laura became popular in earnest in the 1980s and its popularity culminated in 2005, when 847 new born girls were given this name.

Well-known bearers of the name

Laura Ingalls from 'Little house on the Prairie' has very likely been a contributory factor in making the name popular, and in addition Laura is the name of the cook in the Danish television serial Matador. Laura Drasbæk is the name of a Danish actress, who was born in 1974.