Origin & Meaning of the Laura Surname
What does the last name Laura mean?
The surname Laura carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,122 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Laura ranks as the #14,155 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Laura come from?
The Laura surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Laura name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Laura trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Laura |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,155 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,122 |
| Per 100K People | 0.72 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Laura
According to the US Census, the Laura surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,122 Americans with the Laura last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.58% |
| Black | 6.22% |
| Hispanic | 29.83% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.72% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 1.32% |
Popularity of Laura Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Laura surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Laura surname increased by 607 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Laura
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Laura.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Laura.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura
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