Laura

English from Latin, "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

First Lady Laura Bush opened the first National Book Festival on September 8, 2001. One of the most classic girls’ names, Laura is the feminine form of Laurence, an ancient Roman habitational name meaning “from Laurentum”. It might also be considered a botanical name from the laurel tree.

While Laura has always ranked among the Top 300 girls’ names in the US, it’s now at almost its lowest point ever, more common for moms than for babies. Still, it’s an international favorite, ranking among the Top 100 names in a wide range of European and South American countries, from Croatia to Chile, Brazil to Belgium.