Laurel Blair Clark was an American female astronaut and Navy captain who flew as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Challenger. She died with the rest of the crew on re-entry, but was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Lauren has been on my top ten for pretty much forever and I love Laura too. But despite that, I’m less keen on Laurel. I find it quite hard to say without it sounding like “lol” (the one letter difference from Lauren I find actually makes a big difference).
Laurel is also a Spanish name, derived from the word of the plant. Moreover, Laurel was used for both genders in the Middle Ages, but is almost strictly feminine today.
My name is Laurel and I absolutely love it. I find it very pretty, and have never been made fun of except for the EXTREMELY occasional Yanny joke. And honestly, I sort of like the joke. It's a way to start having a fun conversation, and it usually isn't used in a bullying way - more a way to poke fun. Besides, its cute. Also, having a name associated with both victory and relaxation is a nice type of pride.
I prefer Laura. Laura has been my favorite girl's name for a while. And I think Laura looks better than Laurel, but I love the sound of Laura and Laurel. Besides, Laura means Laurel. Both are beautiful, sweet names.
To all people who think it is funny to call a Laurel “Yanny”, IT’S NOT FUNNY. Bering a Laurel I’ve had some experience with this. At first, I had enjoyed the attention I received, since I had never thought my name had been anything special. But after a while, it started getting annoying. People would always ask me what I heard or if anyone had ever called me Yanny. Now whenever I hear someone ask me this, it always pushes my buttons.P.S. No hate to anyone who made fun of this in the comments. Just think before you type.
I had a fairly equal number of pros and cons about this name until the Laurel/Yanny debacle. I quite dislike names that are also words in the dictionary. There’s also the saying “rest on your laurels”. It’s a nice enough name, just too many “other” associations for my liking. Think of the jokes... and a lifetime of correcting people who hear Lauren or Laura. Or Yanny.
― Anonymous User 3/12/2019
-5
My mother had two names in mind, Victoria and Gabriella. But she was always researching, and looking into things. When she stumbled upon the name Laurel, she fell in love with it. I have heard so many meanings, and definitions of my name it’s not even funny anymore. I’ve always been called Laura, or Laurie, once even Loretta. XD Overall, I love my name, I’ve only met one other woman with my name in real life, that’s amazing.
Less old-fashioned than Laura, less strange than Lorelei, rarer than Lauren, not 'creative' like Laurelle... and nearly all English-speakers can pronounce it!
― Anonymous User 11/21/2017
5
I've never liked Laura/Lauren/Laurie and the like because they're just some of those names that do nothing for me; they simply sound too plain and common. But Laurel and Lorelei are different; not only do you very rarely hear them, but the L's make this lyrical, lilting sound that's pleasant and attractive. :)
I like Laurel much better than Lauren and Laura, although my fiance said people would make fun of her and call her "floral Laurel". But I would still use it.
I have a friend named Laurel, and it is truly a beautiful name indeed. In all honesty, I think it's one of the most beautiful and peaceful-sounding names ever.
I love this name. It sounds a bit weepy, like Willow, but is still beautiful, like Willow. It is definitely a much better name than overused and plain Laura and Lauren. It also has a nice meaning, although I might be biased since my own name (Daphne) means Laurel tree.
I have an aunt named Laurel! I love this name! In my opinion, anyone named Laurel will probably grow as pretty as the name. It's the kind of name that will just fit, since it's pretty and uncommon.
Laurell (spelled with an extra 'l') K. Hamilton is an American fantasy/romance author, whose 'Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter' series has sold more than 6 million copies and has been on the New York Times bestseller lists. Ms. Hamilton also publishes the 'Merry Gentry' series.
I used to hate all the Laur names, but Laurel is beginning to grow on me. It's uncommon, and wouldn't get the kid made fun of. Plus it's pretty. A good choice for a little girl. It would be a good fit well into adulthood as well.
― Anonymous User 11/5/2008
3
A character in the soap Emmerdale is called Laurel. She is portrayed by Charlotte Bellamy.
What they are saying about the name Laurel being a pet name for Laura is wrong. The name Laurel is a real word like one you can look up in a dictonary. Laura, Lauren, Lori all those names are derivitives of the word Laurel or Latin form Laurus. Not the other way around! [noted -ed]
This is such a beautiful name. I would keep it as Laurel and not shorten it to Laurie or anything else. A good name to grow up with too.
― Anonymous User 7/20/2006
2
My name is Laurel, and I have mixed feelings about it.Positive: Never in my life have I met another person with this name. It's very original and different, uncommon.Negative: When I tell someone my name, first they think I said Laura, and when I clarify that it's Laurel, the person would have a hard time pronouncing it.Overall: This name might be a little *too* uncommon, but I'm glad I'm named Laurel and not something waaay overused like Jessica or Ashley.
Laurel is a beautiful name indeed, it's also not too common. I think it is very admirable.
― Anonymous User 5/14/2006
3
How pretty! I've also related this name with the 'crown of laurel' so I always thought of it relating to flowers and victory. I love this name!
― Anonymous User 5/5/2006
2
I love the name Laurel. Very pretty and elegant, classy name. My sister's name is Laurel Anne. It has never been shortened to Laurie, she prefers to keep it as Laurel.
― Anonymous User 4/25/2006
4
Lovely name. I like the pronunciation LAW-REL better though.