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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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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 😅

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.

Scotstar · 06/10/2021 22:53

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

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.

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

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!

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..

Moonflower12 · 06/10/2021 22:58

My eldest DD is Laura. She is 30.

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.

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 😁

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'

Neolara · 06/10/2021 23:10

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

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.

MaderiaCycle · 06/10/2021 23:12

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

Hollytreenew · 06/10/2021 23:28

I teach a Laura! She’s in Primary.

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.

AnotherLauraLou · 07/10/2021 11:01

I’m a 40 year old Laura! There was only one other in my school.

There is a Laura in my DS’s school who must be about 6/7.

Agree it’s nice to hear it amongst the sea of Isla/Ava/Evie’s.

Taxwolf · 07/10/2021 11:14

I love the name. I would have used it for DD1 (25) but one of my in laws in called Laura (in her 60s). I never met another one in real life.

HuckleberryJam · 07/10/2021 11:17

I really like it

HuckleberryJam · 07/10/2021 11:18

I like Clare too

BadPlaceJanet · 07/10/2021 11:18

I always loved Laura because of the Little House books. I had the whole series as a kid and was obsessed with them.

There was a little Laura in my dd's toddler group - she'd be about 16-17 now.

WellTidy · 07/10/2021 11:36

I love Laura, really love it (but not at all keen on Lyra, Lorelei or other names that others like are a bit Laura-esque)

No Lauras in my year at school (I was born in the mid 70s) - absolutely loads of Joannes, Claire/Clares, Sarahs and Welsh names like Sian and Rhian (born in Wales)

TheOnlyMrsM · 07/10/2021 11:36

I don't like the name because it reminds me of the only Laura I have ever known and she was really not nice to know as a young woman and adult. It's a shame because I too love the Little House books and might have considered it for one of my DC.

RuthW · 07/10/2021 12:20

It's a dreadful name so glad it's gone.

coronabeer · 07/10/2021 12:24

I think it's a nice name and it's one I would consider in the (extremely unlikely) event I were to have another child.

Never liked the name Lauren, though.

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