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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Whatever happened to Laura?

91 replies

SharpieHarpie · 06/10/2021 22:11

I am a mid 30s Laura, and I never hear the name used for children, babies or even anyone under 30. It was SO popular when I was at school, I hated it! There were at least 2-3 Lauras in every class from reception to 6th form, all differentiated by our surname initials. However as I got older it seemed to die out super abruptly in a way that Charlotte, Claire etc (probably as popular in the mid 80s?) never did. And as I’ve got older I like it more and more as it’s kind of unusual now.

So, would you consider Laura as a name for your daughter? If so why/why not? Are you a Laura, do you have a Laura, or know a baby Laura? I’d love to hear.

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SundayTwizzle · 07/10/2021 09:45

@mum2jakie

I think Claire has died out as well though. I don't know any Claires under 35?
I love Claire and wanted if for my DD (8 weeks). DH said no though!

I dont know any little Laura's but I do know a Lyra and Lara.

Hollytreenew · 06/10/2021 23:28

I teach a Laura! She’s in Primary.

MaderiaCycle · 06/10/2021 23:12

We have a toddler Laura too. She is 3. Alongside a Hannah and a Megan.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 06/10/2021 23:12

I wanted to be called Laura when I was little - I loved the Little House books and TV show, and the name was very current. I think it then got supplanted by Lauren and Lara, as people liked the name but wanted something slightly different.

I think it will come back in due course. I don't know any little Lauras yet though.

Neolara · 06/10/2021 23:10

I really like the name Laura, but in the end opted for Lara.

tedsletterofthelaw · 06/10/2021 23:04

I'm right here Grin

Also a mid thirties Laura. I guess it's just one of those names that goes in and out of style. It'll be the new trend when we are all in our 70s and 80s and be referred to as an 'old lady name'

ForTheLoveOfSleep · 06/10/2021 23:02

I'm a Laura. 33 years old. My mum chose it because of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love my name and am the only Laura I know 😁

JumpingFrogs · 06/10/2021 22:58

I'm a Laura, in my late fifties, so was already about 20 when it suddenly became fashionable. Didn't meet any other Lauras until I was an adult. Whether it's in or out of fashion, it's served me well and I've always been happy with it.

Moonflower12 · 06/10/2021 22:58

My eldest DD is Laura. She is 30.

Northernsoullover · 06/10/2021 22:57

I love the name. I know an 18 year old one. I also love the way its pronounced in Spain. The Lau is sounded like the 'low' (in allow). Low-ra. Its definitely due a revival..

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 06/10/2021 22:57

It was so common growing up that I've never actually thought about it as a name 😂 It does have a lovely sound. My name was wildly popular at the same time, and is hardly used for babies now.

I liked Sarah for DC3 who turned out to be a boy. It would have stood out.

DD is Ava. She's 18, and it was not in the top 200 when she was born. She gets annoyed with me now for choosing such a common name. I keep telling her I was ahead of the curve!

StrychnineInTheSandwiches · 06/10/2021 22:54

I've just checked and Laura was the 176th most popular girls' name in 2019 so not really all that obscure. I was born in 1980 and my name that was uber-popular at the time is now knocking around 800 spots below that. Proper obscurity!

names.darkgreener.com/#laura

RubyFowler · 06/10/2021 22:54

I'm a 40 year old Laura. Was only 1 other in my year at high school. It never seemed as popular at Sarah of which there were tonnes!
I'd like it if it was making a come back, I've always been quite fond of it.

Scotstar · 06/10/2021 22:53

I know a toddler Laura too, it's a gorgeous name

Myusernameisnotmyusernameno · 06/10/2021 22:53

My DH wanted Laura for our DD. I was happy to use it but we decided on a different name. If I had another I would consider it. I have a friend called Laura as well.

Bobbiethemouse · 06/10/2021 22:53

It’s pretty and every Laura I have ever met has been lovely! A bit like every Gemma I have ever met has been lovely and friendly 😅

lnsufficientFuns · 06/10/2021 22:52

That’s true actually, I’ve never met a horrible Laura either

(Ditto Paul)

RoseandBloom · 06/10/2021 22:51

I don’t know any babies or children called Laura (I only know one Laura and she’s nearly 40) but it’s a beautiful name! I love it.

StrongerThanA90sTrend · 06/10/2021 22:49

I really like the name Laura. It sounds nice. I'd never use it for my own daughter, but I do have a close friend with the name so it would be weird to me. I think it should make a come back!

TTCyay · 06/10/2021 22:48

It's coming back 😀

Original poster
SharpieHarpie · 06/10/2021 22:48

@TTCyay a toddler Laura! That’s so great 😍

OP posts:
TTCyay · 06/10/2021 22:46

I have a 2.5 year old called Laura.
I'm
Mid 30's, my middle name is Laura and I always loved it!

I've also never met a Laura I didn't like - so that helped :)

AngelDelightUk · 06/10/2021 22:44

I was tempted by Laurie for my DD.

I love the name Laura, but my name ends with a “rl” so I thought it might sound a bit harsh when said together

StrychnineInTheSandwiches · 06/10/2021 22:40

Isla is the current Laura.

Laura will come back in 30 years or so. That's usually the way these cycles go.

Original poster
SharpieHarpie · 06/10/2021 22:38

My Mum once told me I was called Laura because the downstairs neighbours daughter was called Laura, and she was nice. It was rife in the 80s Grin

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