What does Laval mean and where does it come from?
The name Laval originates from French geographical names and is used as a surname as well. It can refer to places in France, such as Laval in Mayenne, which derives from 'lava', meaning 'stream'. In Canada, Laval is a significant city in Quebec. The name has connections to notable historic and conte
Cultural significance
Laval has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #2891 in 1946 — currently #1001 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Laval?
Laval works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laval Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laval Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laval Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laval Claire
French influence · crisp
Laval Jane
Literary · strong
Laval Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laval right now?
Holding steady — currently #1001 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1001 | 1,199 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1006 | 1,179 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1011 | 1,149 | ▲ up 4943 · +19050% births |
| 1985 | #5954 | 6 | ▲ up 589 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #6543 | 5 | ▼ down 806 |
| 1975 | #5737 | 5 | ▼ down 702 |
| 1970 | #5035 | 5 | ▼ down 1619 · -29% births |
| 1965 | #3416 | 7 | ▼ down 393 · -22% births |
| 1960 | #3023 | 9 | ▼ down 113 |
| 1955 | #2910 | 9 | ▲ up 1146 · +80% births |
| 1935 | #4056 | 5 | — |
The story of Laval
Laval entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 204 total births recorded, Laval remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4056 in 1935 to #1001 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Laval in 1946:
Laval by decade
Laval peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 20 | |
| 1950s | 38 | |
| 1960s ★ | 49 | |
| 1970s | 36 | |
| 1980s | 31 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
💎Laval has only 204 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Laval?
What names sound and feel like Laval?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laval also consider these
Common questions about the name Laval
What does the name Laval mean?
Laval means "French" — a name rooted in France 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 Laval?
Laval is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Laval?
Laval originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Laval?
Laval is a two-syllable name pronounced L AH0 V AA1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Laval a common or rare name?
Laval is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.