The name Laura has a rich history behind it with deep spiritual connotations. If you’re wondering about the hidden meaning behind this classic name, you’ve come to the right place.
In short, the name Laura symbolizes purity, nobility, victory, and enlightenment. It is linked to the laurel plant, which was seen as sacred in ancient times.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the name Laura from historical, symbolic and spiritual perspectives. We will uncover the rich mythology behind this name, analyze numerical meanings, look at celebrity namesakes, and summarize the key virtues and attributes connected with Laura.
With all this insight, you will have a much deeper grasp of this special name and what it represents.
The History and Origins of the Name Laura
Derivation from Laurel Plant
The name Laura is derived from the laurel plant, which has rich symbolic meaning. In ancient times, laurel wreaths were worn by leaders and heroes as a sign of victory and achievement. The leaves and berries of the laurel plant were used to create aromatic and soothing concoctions in medicine, cooking, and religious rituals.
The name Laura became associated with wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, inspiration, success, and triumph.
Use in Ancient Rome
During ancient Roman times, Laura and its variants Laurentia and Laurentina were in use to represent the laurel tree and its victorious energy. According to some sources, Roman family clans adopted the Laurentia name because it stood for glory, protection, and purification, and used it to refer to certain female ancestors.
Meaning and Symbolism in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the name Laura grew popular across Europe among Christians because of the influence of Saint Laura, an 8th century Spanish nun and abbess. Her dedication and devotion to the Catholic faith evoked admiration and reverence.
Laura thus became associated with admiration, asceticism, and strength of character. At the same time, its relationship to the laurel lent Laura symbolic connotations of regeneration and peace.
Revival in the Renaissance
Interest in the name Laura was revived during the Renaissance across Europe, inspired by the 14th century Italian poet Petrarch and his unrequited love for a woman named Laura. His popular sonnet sequence helped establish Laura as a romantic and poetic name associated with beauty, muse-like inspiration, love, and artistic creativity for both poets and painters.
Even Shakespeare used the name in his works.
Symbolic Meanings of the Name Laura
Purity and Innocence
The name Laura has long been associated with purity and innocence. In ancient Rome, the laurel tree was seen as a symbol of victory, status, and scholarly achievement. However, the tree’s small white blossoms also evoked images of purity and innocence.
Similarly, the name Laura brings to mind a gentle, virtuous, and modest personality. Laura is derived from “laurel”, which is known for its white flowers and lush green leaves. Just as the laurel blossoms radiate purity amidst the vibrancy of the leaves, the name Laura evokes a quiet grace and innocence.
Victory and Success
In addition to purity, the laurel tree was a sign of honor, victory, and success in ancient Greece and Rome. Wreaths made of laurel leaves were given to the victors in athletic, military, and artistic challenges. The goddess Artemis was also associated with laurel wreaths.
Likewise, the name Laura has come to signify victory, achievement, and success – particularly in creative or intellectual pursuits. Many accomplished writers, poets, artists and thinkers have borne the name Laura.
Just as the laurel wreaths crowned the victors of ancient times, the name Laura seems to bless modern-day Lauras with success and renown in the arts and humanities.
Nobility and Status
In Renaissance times, Laura became associated with noble status in addition to creativity. In the courts of 15th and 16th century Italy, poets praised beautiful noblewomen named Laura in their verses. These included the famous poet Petrarch, who wrote of his unrequited love for a married aristocrat named Laura.
This association with romantic sonnets and poems of the Renaissance cemented the link between Laura and grace, beauty and noble status. In England, “Laura” was imported from Italy and came to signify a refined, upper-class woman.
Today, while no longer strictly denoting aristocracy, the name Laura continues to evoke images of elegance, status and sophistication.
Artistry and Creativity
Many well-known writers, artists and creators have been named Laura. Famous Lauras include novelist Laura Ingalls Wilder, artist Laura Wheeler Waring, playwright Laura Eason and poet Laura Riding.
Behind every great Laura seems to be an artistic gift or creative drive. Perhaps there is something about the rhythmic ring of the name which inspires lyricism and beauty. Or maybe the long-standing links between Laura, laurel wreaths and poetic praise have created a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Whatever the cause, Lauras do have an impressive record of creative expression and talent.
Numerology of the Name Laura
Soul Urge Number
In numerology, the soul urge number reveals a person’s innermost desires and dreams. For the name Laura, the soul urge number is 5. This indicates that Lauras are likely to crave variety, adventure, and sensory stimulation.
They have a strong urge for self-expression through experiences that stimulate the senses. A soul urge number 5 means that Laura’s soul desires freedom – to live life on her own terms and pursue whatever seems interesting at the moment.
Destiny Number
The destiny number in numerology points to a person’s life path and the challenges or obstacles they are likely to face. For Laura, the destiny number comes out to 1. This suggests that Laura is destined to be a leader and pioneer, someone who can think for herself and make her own way in life without depending on others.
She may face occasional obstacles that test her resolve, independence and sense of self. Overcoming such challenges will allow the true Laura to emerge – strong-willed, courageous and a powerful inspiration to others.
Expression Number
The expression number reveals Laura’s outer personality, talents and skills that she shares with the world. For Laura, the expression number is 7, the number of contemplation and inner wisdom. This indicates that Laura likely has a philosophical bent of mind and enjoys pondering abstract concepts and mysteries.
She probably has keen powers of intuition, imagination and analysis that she can translate into creative or intellectual self-expression. Her expression energy makes her appear wise and spiritual to others.
She may have talents in mystical fields or functions that involve research, diagnosis, invention or teaching.
Spiritual Attributes Connected to Laura
Enlightenment and Wisdom
The name Laura has long been associated with enlightenment and wisdom. In Latin, it means “laurel” – the leafy plant representing honor, accomplishment, and triumph. Those named Laura tend to seek deeper knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
They have an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn all they can in order to reach higher states of awareness.
Lauras also often act as teachers, mentors, or guides for others. Their wisdom and insights help motivate and support people to find their own inner light. As one spiritual author said, “Lauras glow from within, illuminationg dark spaces and guiding people gently to greater understanding.”
Their innate wisdom and enlightened perspective allows Lauras to tackle problems from creative angles and uncover solutions that elude most.
Compassion and Virtue
In addition to enlightenment, the name Laura reflects great compassion and virtue. Lauras tend to be extremely caring, empathetic people who think of others before themselves. They have open and accepting hearts, offering kindness and comfort to those in need.
Virtuous traits like integrity, honesty, and principled-thinking often characterize those named Laura. As one article noted, “Lauras have high moral standards and behave ethically in their relationships and decision-making.” They take the high road and make choices reflecting the greatest good.
Courage and Resilience
Despite their caring nature, those named Laura also embody great inner strength and resilience. The laurel leaf represents honor given to victors and survivors. So too do Lauras victoriously weather life’s difficulties with courage and grace.
Lauras often thrive when facing challenges that intimidate others. As one spiritual blog stated, “When the rivers of life rage, Lauras plant their feet firmly and stand tall.” They tap into an inner fortitude and relentlessly pursue noble goals against all odds.
Their determination and resilience lets them transform obstacles into opportunities.
Additionally, Lauras don’t hesitate to speak out against injustice or wrongdoing. Their courageous voice defends truth and lights the way for others. Overall, the name Laura is a reminder that with courage and resilience, no hardship lasts forever.
Balance and Harmony
Finally, the name Laura embodies balance, harmony and peaceful energy. Lauras thrive when their mind, body and spirit align in healthy concert. They have an innate understanding of natural order and seek to create equilibrium and harmony in all areas of life.
In relationships, Lauras use tact, diplomacy and honesty to foster openness and win-win collaboration. As parents, teachers or mentors, they establish secure, nurturing environments for growth. And as leaders or team members, Lauras model level-headed, unifying behavior.
By living in tune with their highest self, Lauras radiate a peaceful, centered energy. They masterfully ride life’s emotional waves while staying grounded in stillness and balance. As one article summarized, “Lauras embody the calm at the center of any storm.”
This inner stability attracts fortune and serendipity according to many spiritual texts.
Famous Lauras through History
Laura Secord – Canadian Folk Heroine
Laura Secord was a regular woman turned Canadian iconic folk heroine when she walked 20 miles through the woods while in (☝️ peak amazing form 💪) to warn British forces of an impending American attack during the War of 1812 (Britannica).
Her heroic effort earned Secord 🏆 fame and legendary status in Canadian history as a symbol of heroism and bravery 😮 (give her a round of applause 👏).
Laura Ingalls Wilder – Pioneering Author
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s eight Little House series award-winning children’s books showed how American frontier settlement shaped her family’s life in the midwestern farmlands. Family values! 👪Born in 1867 way back in the dayyyyy on a Wisconsin farm, Wilder’s narratives of her pioneer childhood are a truly awesome glimpse into the American pioneer experience (want the full scoop? 👉 Read all the booksss!)
and inspire a love of history in young readers even today. Such an inspiring lady! 🙌 And we get heartwarming stories from it ❤️.
Laura Bush – Former First Lady of the U.S.
From 2001-2009, First Lady Laura Bush championed education, health, and human rights while supporting her husband, President George W. Bush (The White House). An amazing role model for women, Laura Bush promoted global literacy efforts through her foundation and authored bestselling books on U.S.
social and political history. In a 2020 interview, the former First Lady provided insightful perspectives on her White House years, noting it was a “privilege” but not “easy” (we feel you Laura! 😊). Her grace under pressure serves as an inspiration.
Conclusion
The name Laura has an illustrious history with many positive spiritual attributes. It is linked to purity, nobility, enlightenment, resilience and balance. The laurel plant from which it derives holds special meaning in Greek and Roman mythology as a symbol of status, victory and artistic skill.
So if you or a loved one bears the name Laura, you can feel proud to be associated with such an esteemed moniker. Hopefully this guide has provided some fascinating insights into the rich symbolic legacy carried by the name Laura over centuries of history.
