Baby-names
Laura
Laura is a feminine name derived from the Latin word ’laurus’, meaning ’laurel plant’. In ancient Rome, the laurel was a symbol of victory, honor, and fame.
Laura Meaning Laurel plant, Symbol of victory
Historical Significance The name Laura has been popular since the Middle Ages and gained renewed popularity in the 20th century.
Fun Fact Laura was one of the most popular names in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
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Baby-names
Laurel
Laurel is a feminine name derived from the Latin ’laurus’, referring to the laurel tree or wreath.
Laurel Meaning Laurel tree, Symbol of victory
Historical Significance In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths were symbols of victory and honor.
Fun Fact Laurel is also the name of a flowering shrub, often used in cooking.
Literature Reference Laurel is a character in Aprilynne Pike’s ‘Wings’ series of young adult novels.
Music Reference Laurel Aitken was a famous Jamaican-born singer known as one of the pioneers of ska music.
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Baby-names
Lauren
Lauren is a feminine name derived from the Latin ‘Laurentius’, meaning ‘from Laurentum’, an ancient Roman city.
Lauren Meaning From Laurentum, Crowned with laurel
Historical Significance The name Lauren gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Fun Fact Lauren Bacall, born Betty Joan Perske, chose Lauren as her stage name, contributing to the name’s popularity.
Literature Reference Lauren is the name of a character in the novel ‘The Graduate’ by Charles Webb.
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Baby-names
Laurie
Laurie is a classic unisex name of Latin origin, derived from the laurel tree, which was used to create victors’ crowns in ancient Rome. Originally a diminutive of Lawrence or Laura, it has evolved to become a standalone name. While traditionally used for both genders, it was particularly popular for girls in the mid-20th century.
Laurie Meaning Laurel tree, victory
Historical Significance The name Laurie has strong literary connections, most notably through the character Laurie in Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’.
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Baby-names
Layla
Layla is a feminine name of Arabic origin. It means ’night’ or ‘dark beauty’, often associated with romance and mystery in Arabic poetry and literature.
Layla Meaning Night, Dark beauty
Historical Significance The name Layla has been popular in Arabic-speaking countries for centuries and gained popularity in Western countries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Fun Fact Layla is the subject of a famous love story in Arabic and Persian literature, that of Qays and Layla.
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Baby-names
Leah
Leah is a timeless feminine name of Hebrew origin. It appears in the Bible as the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has maintained consistent popularity throughout history, appreciated for its gentle sound and rich religious heritage.
Leah Meaning Weary; delicate
Historical Significance Leah is one of the most ancient feminine names still in common use. In the Bible, Leah was the first wife of Jacob and mother to six of the twelve tribes of Israel.
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Baby-names
Leilani
Leilani is a feminine name of Hawaiian origin. It combines the Hawaiian words ’lei’ (flower, child) and ’lani’ (heavenly, royal, majesty).
Leilani Meaning Heavenly flower, Royal child
Historical Significance The name Leilani has been growing in popularity outside of Hawaii since the late 20th century.
Fun Fact In Hawaiian culture, leis are given as a symbol of affection, making Leilani a name associated with love and beauty.
Literature Reference Leilani is a character in the novel ‘The Impossible Fortress’ by Jason Rekulak.
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Baby-names
Leo
Leo is a masculine name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word ’leo’, meaning ’lion’, and is also associated with the zodiac sign Leo.
Leo Meaning Lion
Historical Significance Leo has been used as a given name since ancient times and has been borne by several popes and saints.
Fun Fact In astrology, Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is associated with the constellation Leo.
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Baby-names
Levi
Levi is a masculine name of Hebrew origin. It means ‘joined’ or ‘attached’ and is associated with the Biblical figure Levi, son of Jacob and Leah.
Levi Meaning Joined or attached
Historical Significance Levi was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and has been used as a given name for centuries in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Fun Fact Levi has seen a significant rise in popularity in the United States since the early 2000s, entering the top 100 in 2009 and the top 20 in 2019.
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Baby-names
Liam
Liam is a masculine name of Irish origin. It is a shorter form of the Irish name Uilliam, which is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm.
Liam Meaning Resolute protection
Historical Significance Liam became popular as an Irish name in the 20th century and has since spread globally, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Fun Fact Liam has been the most popular boys’ name in the United States since 2017.
Literature Reference Liam O’Flaherty was a significant Irish novelist and short story writer of the 20th century.
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