Lauren Name Meaning

Toketemu Ohwovoriole
·3 min read

Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Lauren.

Fact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldFact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield

Lauren is a name of French origin given to children of any gender. No one can quite settle on what the name Lauren means. It has been interpreted to mean “wisdom” or “laurel plant.” The name is derived from the French name Laurence, which is thought to have been derived from the Roman surname Laurentius.

Interestingly, Laurentius is derived from Laurentum, an ancient Italian city that got its name from Laurus, which means “bay laurel.” Lauren is also a common surname in some parts of the world. One of the most famous people with the last name Lauren is Ralph Lauren.

Although the name is currently unisex, it was traditionally a male name. Its popularity as a female name is thought to be attributed to the American actress Lauren Bacall. Lauren is also considered a feminine form of the traditionally masculine name Lawrence. In French, Lauren means “crowned with laurel.”



  • Origin: Lauren has been traced to Latin and French origins.

  • Gender: The name Lauren started as a traditionally masculine name, but has since grown to become a popular unisex name.

  • Pronunciation: law-ren





Editor's Note

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.



How Popular Is the Name Lauren?

Lauren enjoyed the most popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. From the early 1980s until 2006, the name remained on the top 25 list of most popular names in the United States. Although Lauren isn’t as popular as it used to be, it remains a fairly desirable name.

Lauren started as a traditionally masculine name, but it is now more often used as a girl’s name in the US. In 2023, Lauren ranked as the No. 343 most popular girl’s name.

As a boy's name, Lauren peaked in popularity in 1989 (21,198 babies were named Lauren that year). The name has since dipped in popularity.

Name Variations

Many variations for the name Lauren exist in other languages and cultures. Some of the most popular include: 

  • Laura

  • Laurena

  • Laurens (Dutch)

  • Laurentia (Ancient Romanian)

  • Laurie

  • Lauryn

  • Laryn

  • Loren

  • Lorens (Swedish)

  • Lorin

  • Lorrin

If you are thinking of picking a variation to the name, it’s important to remember that Lauren has many definitions in many traditions.

Similar Names

Lauren is a classic name. If you want to consider other names before making a decision, other names that begin with the letter "L" include:

Here are other French names to consider:

  • Aimee

  • Camille

  • Chanel

  • Fleur

  • Genevieve

  • Lourdes

  • Margot

  • Nicolette

  • Simone

  • Zoe

Suggested Sibling Names

Looking for a sibling name for Lauren? Here are some popular options:

  • Aaron

  • Antoinette

  • Arthur

  • Bernadette

  • Charles

  • Danielle

  • Gabrielle

  • Hugo

  • Jean

  • Joseph

  • Lawrence

  • Louise

  • Marie

  • Marc

  • Paul

  • Samuel

  • Thomas

  • Victor

Famous People Named Lauren

If you are thinking of naming your baby Lauren, here are a few famous people who would also be sharing the name with your child:

  • Lauren Ackerman, American physician and pathologist

  • Lauren Barnes, American soccer player

  • Lauren Bush, American model

  • Lauren Child, English author and illustrator

  • Lauren Cohan, American actress and model

  • Lauren Crandall, American hockey player

  • Lauren Davis, American professional tennis player

  • Lauren Donner, American film producer

  • Lauren Graham, American actress

  • Lauren Harris, British rock singer

  • Lauren Holiday, American professional soccer player

  • Lauren Jackson, Australian basketball player

  • Lauren Kleppin, American long-distance runner

  • Lauren London, American actress

  • Lauren Nelson, beauty queen and holder of the Miss America title in 2007

  • Lauren Quigley, British singer

  • Lauren Scott, American LGBT activist

  • Lauren Underwood, American politician

  • Lauren Weisberger, American novelist and writer of the bestseller The Devil Wears Prada

  • Lauren Woodland, American actress 



More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:



For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents.

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next