What does Laurell mean and where does it come from?
Laurell is a spelling variation of Laurel, which is derived from the Latin word 'laurus.' The laurel tree was historically associated with victory and honor, often used to create wreaths for victors in ancient Greece. The name has gained popularity in the US, particularly in the late 20th century. L
Cultural significance
Laurell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of variant of laurel, meaning 'laurel tree' or 'victory'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2946 in 1949 — currently #1066 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Laurell?
Laurell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laurell Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laurell Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laurell Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laurell Claire
French influence · crisp
Laurell Jane
Literary · strong
Laurell Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laurell right now?
Holding steady — currently #1066 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1066 | 1,134 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1071 | 1,114 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1076 | 1,084 | ▲ up 14150 · +21580% births |
| 2000 | #15226 | 5 | ▼ down 1604 |
| 1995 | #13622 | 5 | ▼ down 5022 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #8600 | 9 | ▼ down 340 · +80% births |
| 1970 | #8260 | 5 | ▼ down 2806 · -29% births |
| 1965 | #5454 | 7 | ▼ down 2286 · -50% births |
| 1955 | #3168 | 14 | ▲ up 392 · +40% births |
| 1950 | #3560 | 10 | ▼ down 278 · +11% births |
| 1945 | #3282 | 9 | — |
The story of Laurell
Laurell entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 391 total births recorded, Laurell remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3282 in 1945 to #1066 in 2023. Laurell is used for both genders: 97% female and 3% male.
Names that peaked alongside Laurell in 1949:
Laurell by decade
Laurell peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 9 | |
| 1920s | 18 | |
| 1930s | 24 | |
| 1940s | 57 | |
| 1950s ★ | 91 | |
| 1960s | 54 | |
| 1970s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 38 | |
| 1990s | 44 | |
| 2000s | 19 | |
| 2010s | 13 | |
💎Laurell has only 391 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Laurell?
Common
LauLaurLaurieLauryUrell
What names sound and feel like Laurell?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laurell also consider these
Common questions about the name Laurell
What does the name Laurell mean?
Laurell means "Variant of Laurel, meaning 'laurel tree' or 'victory'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Laurell?
Laurell is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Laurell?
Laurell originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Laurell a common or rare name?
Laurell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Laurell more of a girl or boy name?
Laurell is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.