Origin & Meaning of the Laurel Surname
What does the last name Laurel mean?
The surname Laurel 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 1,984 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Laurel ranks as the #14,920 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Laurel come from?
The Laurel 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 Laurel name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Laurel 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 | Laurel |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,920 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,984 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Laurel
According to the US Census, the Laurel surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,984 Americans with the Laurel last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 22.53% |
| Black | 8.01% |
| Hispanic | 49.6% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 16.18% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 3.07% |
Popularity of Laurel Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Laurel surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Laurel surname increased by 209 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Laurel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
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