There’s a lot to say about Lauren name meaning, origin, and history. Lauren, which sounds pretty much the same way as Laurence and Lawrence, is a beautiful name that deserves more attention.
Walking down the street during the 80s or 90s, you would bump into a “Lauren” more often than now. Yet, what made this name so popular around that time? Does it have something to do with the name’s meanings or origin?
If you’re interested in the name Lauren, these facts are worth checking out!
Basic Information About Lauren
Lauren’s pronunciation is likely the first impression you get from this name. Yet, other related facts about it also matter. Here they are!
Meaning | “Bay laurel”, “wisdom”, “victory”, and “sweet of honor”. |
Origin | French |
Pronunciation | /law-ren/ |
Gender | Lauren, in its early history, was only used for boys. However, it’s now a gender-neutral choice in the US. Surprisingly, more baby girls bear this name than boys in modern times. |
Popularity | As a girl name, Lauren was once a favorite during the 80s and 90s. The name now declines in popularity, at 336th spot in 2021. |
Variations | Laura, Laurena, Laurynn, Laurens, Loren, Lorens, Laryn, Lorin, etc. |
Nicknames | Lo, Lar, Lor, Lolo, Lon, Ren, Lonny, etc. |
Similar Names | Laurel, Lauretta, Luna, Lyra, etc. |
Sibling Names | For Boys: Aaron, Hugo, Jean, Mark, Paul, etc. For Girls: Antoinette, Gabrielle, Georgia, Lily, etc. |
Middle Names | Audrey, Chloe, Marie, Paige, Rebecca, etc. |
What Does The Name Lauren Indicate?
Lauren is a derivation of the French name “Laurence”. The two names both mean “bay laurel”, “wisdom”, “victory”, and “sweet of honor”. Laurence comes from the Roman surname “Laurentius”, meaning “someone from Laurentum”.
The word “Laurentum” was a place name in ancient Roman, pointing to an extensive area near the sea coast between the two towns Lavinium and Ostia. This ancient city’s name itself, again, derives from the Latin word “Laurus” for “laurel” or “bay laurel”.
The laurel became an emblem of victory and honor in ancient Rome and Greece. Leaves and branches of laurel were woven into wreaths and worn on the heads of emperors and victors in major athletic competitions. Lauren is a common given name and surname these days.
Which Gender Is The Name Lauren For?
Today, Lauren goes as a unisex name. Yet, to many surprises, the name started as a masculine name until famous American actress Betty Joan Perske changed her name to Lauren Bacall.
She is known as the 20th greatest female star of Classic Hollywood cinema with a distinctively deep and husky voice. In fact, during the 1980s and 1990s, Lauren was a trendy name in the US.
While Lauren is considered a gender-neutral name, it is, more often than not, chosen for baby girls. As a boy name, its popularity waned after 1990, according to data from Social Security Administration (SSA).
The Rise And Fall Of The Name Lauren
Lauren has been used as a boy name in America since 1900, although it was only in low use. American parents only started to use it for baby girls in 1945, the year after Lauren Bacall’s debut film was released.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Lauren was a new hit name in America. This coincided with when Lauren Bacall was at the peak of her career. She received a Tony Award in 1970, Woman of the Year in 1981, and one nomination for an Academy Award in 1996.
Its most successful year was 1989, when the name was the 9th most popular choice in the country. Over the following two decades, Lauren was still a fairly fashionable name, securely sitting in the top 50.
In recent years, however, this French name is seemingly slipping out of fashion, as the ranking of 336th in 2021 shows (1).
The Most Common Variants Of Lauren
While Lauren is a derivation of another name, it still has several variations across cultures. If you’re after something that sounds slightly different but with the same meanings, here are your options:
Similar Names & Pet Names For Your Little Lauren
Are you wondering what the best way to call your little Lauren at home is? There’s no lack of nicknames for this French name, but below are the most catchy choices to consider!
If you’re still open to more names, let’s see if these similar “L” names can spark your joy the way Lauren did!
Sibling Names For Your Little Lauren
Is that you a thoughtful parent who loves to plan ahead? If yes, for many kids arriving after Lauren, you can take note of these lovely, matching sibling names.
For Sons
Any of these names will fit well together with Lauren. There’s no matching theme or obvious connection here, but their cute coordination with Lauren can surprise you!
For Daughters
These female names already get approval from parents who have a girl named Lauren. And they’ll soon convince you, too!
In the Bible, Saint Joseph is often described as carrying a lily, showing his relationship with Virgin Mary. Lily is a floral name that is blooming in the US (its 2021’s ranking is 31st).
Pretty Middle Names For Lauren
Are you looking for a middle name that is pretty, meaningful, and flows well with Lauren? For your convenience, I’ve included middle names that are just perfect for Lauren!
While there are countless ways to shorten Rebecca for nicknames, Becca and Becky seem like the most obvious choice for many parents.
The Name Lauren In Fictional Works
This French name also frequently appears in popular culture, including soap operas, TV shows, animation, etc. Your little Lauren will likely come across many characters sharing her name in her favorite shows.
Notable Celebrities Named Lauren
Given strong preferences towards Lauren during the 80s and 90s, it’s not surprising to see many famous Laurens born around this time. Here are many celebrities who help shine more spotlight on the French name:
FAQs
Don’t skip these related questions about this French name, as they will assist you in making a better decision!
Lauren – A Pretty French Name To Inspire!
There are many things about Lauren that can set your little girl up for success. It is an ancient name that comes with the sophistication of French and empowering meanings.
While Lauren’s popularity seems to reverse its starting point in the past, it’s still an attractive choice for your girl. If you love this name, there’s no reason not to add it to your list.
If there are still any concerns that this article has yet to address, you can drop them in the comment box. Please also click the like and share button before you leave! Thank you!
References
- ssa.gov. 2024. The Popularity Of A Name
- ssa.gov. 2024. Top Names Over the Last 100 Years
Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.