Laurel is a

unisex Unisex is an adjective indicating something is not sex-specific, i.e. is suitable for any type of sex. The term can also mean gender-blindness or gender neutrality. The term 'unisex' was coined in the 1960s and was used fairly informally. The co ...

given name. The name is of English

origin Origin(s) or The Origin may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Comics and manga * ''Origin'' (comics), a Wolverine comic book mini-series published by Marvel Comics in 2002 * ''The Origin'' (Buffy comic), a 1999 ''Buffy the Vampire Sl ...

from the Latin ''Lauras'', referring to the laurel tree. Various names related to Laurel are Laura,

Lauren Lauren is mostly a feminine given name. The name's meaning may be "laurel tree", "sweet of honor", or "wisdom". It is derived from the French name Laurence, a feminine version of Laurent, which is in turn derived from the Roman surname Laurent ...

, Lori, and

Lorraine Lorraine, also , ; ; Lorrain: ''Louréne''; Lorraine Franconian: ''Lottringe''; ; ; is a cultural and historical region in Eastern France, now located in the administrative region of Grand Est. Its name stems from the medieval kingdom of ...

. Another related name would be the Germanic mythology name ''Lorelie'' which means "luring rock" and is mentioned in a

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany, the country of the Germans and German things **Germania (Roman era) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizenship in Germany, see also Ge ...

legend saying that a maiden named

Lorelei The Lorelei ( ; or , or ; also found as ''Loreleï'', ''Lore Lay'', ''Lore-Ley'', ''Lurley'', ''Lurelei'' and ''Lurlei'' throughout history) is a , steep slate rock on the right bank of the River Rhine in the Rhine Gorge (or Middle Rhine) at ...

, who lives upon a rock in the Rhine River, lures fishermen to death with her songs. Notable people and characters with the name include:

People

Laurel Abrahamson Laurel Abrahamson (born January 14, 1986) is an American volleyball ex-player and current coach. Biography Player She competed at the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship The 2013 FIVB Women's Club World Championship was ...

(born 1986), American volleyball player *

Laurel Aitken Lorenzo "Laurel" Aitken (22 April 1927 – 17 July 2005) was a Cuban-Jamaican singer and one of the pioneers of ska music. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Ska". Career Born in Cuba of mixed Cuban and Jamaican descent, Aitken an ...

(1927–2005), Cuban-Jamaican singer * Laurel Arnell-Cullen (born 1994), British indie musician * Laurel Beckett (fl. 1960s–2010s), American biostatistician * Laurel Braitman (born 1978), American science historian and writer *

Laurel Broten Laurel C. Broten (born 1967) is a former politician in Ontario, Canada. She was a Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2003 to 2013, who represented the Toronto riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore. She served in the cabin ...

(born c. 1967), Canadian politician *

Laurel Burch Laurel Burch (December 31, 1945 – September 13, 2007) was an American artist, designer and businesswoman. Early life Born Laurel Anne Harte in the San Fernando Valley, California, on New Year's Eve, 1945, to parents Ann and Russell Harte ...

(1945–2007), American artist, designer, and businesswoman * Laurel Campbell (1902–1971), New Zealand racehorse trainer * Laurel Casinader (1903–1986), Sri Lankan educationalist and philanthropist * Laurel Chor (born 1990), Hong Kong photographer, journalist, and filmmaker *

Laurel Clark Laurel Blair Clark (née Salton; March 10, 1961 – February 1, 2003) was an American NASA astronaut, medical doctor, United States Navy captain, and Space Shuttle mission specialist. She died along with her six fellow crew members in the Space ...

(1961–2003), American astronaut, medical doctor, navy captain, and Space Shuttle mission specialist *

Laurel Collins Laurel Collins (born May 7, 1984) is a Canadian politician who was elected to represent the riding of Victoria in the House of Commons of Canada in the 2019 Canadian federal election. Prior to her election in the House of Commons, she was a ci ...

(born 1984), Canadian politician * Laurel Coppock (born 1977), American comedic actress * Laurel Cronin (1939–1992), American actress, singer, and dancer *

Laurel Crosby Laurel Alarie Crosby is the President of Wheelchair Rugby Canada. She previously served as president of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and Canadian Paralympic Committee. Career Crosby began her career as a principal at James Gilmore ...

, Canadian schoolteacher and sports executive and administrator *

Laurel Currie Oates Laurel Currie Oates is a legal author and law professor at Seattle University School of Law. Oates is also a visiting professor at the University of Witwatersrand School of Law in Johannesburg. She was a co-founder of the Legal Writing Institute, ...

, American legal author and law professor * Laurel Cutler (1926–2021), American advertising executive * Laurel DeWitt, American fashion designer and artist * Laurel E. Youmans (1863–1926), American politician and physician *

Laurel Edwards Laurel Edwards (born October 1966) is an Australian television presenter, radio announcer, and singer. Early life Edwards was probably born in early October 1966. Career Edwards' radio career began in 1992, commencing work at Brisbane radio ...

(born 1966), Australian television presenter, radio announcer, and singer * Laurel Elizabeth Keyes (1907–1983), American writer, lecturer, and counselor * Laurel Frank, Australian costume designer * Laurel G. Bellows (fl. 1970s–2010s), American lawyer *

Laurel Goodwin Laurel Goodwin (August 11, 1942 – February 25, 2022) was an American film and television actress who is known for her role as the love interest of Elvis Presley in the 1962 film ''Girls! Girls! Girls!'', as well as appearing as Yeoman J.M. Colt ...

(1942–2022), American film- and television actress * Laurel Griggs (2006–2019), American child actress *

Laurel Haak Laurel L. Haak, known as Laure, was the founding Executive Director (2012-2020) of ORCID, an international non-profit which generates and maintains unique identifiers for individuals to participate in the research lifecycle. Haak received BS and ...

, American scientist *

Laurel Halo Laurel Anne Chartow (born June 3, 1985), known professionally as Laurel Halo, is an American electronic musician currently based in Los Angeles, California. She released her debut album '' Quarantine'' on Hyperdub in 2012 to critical acclaim; it ...

(born 1985), American electronic musician *

Laurel Hausler Laurel Hausler is a contemporary oil painter and sculptor. Her work has been widely critiqued and her style compared to those of Joseph Cornell, Frida Kahlo, Edward Gorey and Francis Bacon. Her paintings reflect a woman's experience in a darkly hu ...

(born 1977), American contemporary oil painter and sculptor * Laurel H. Carney (born 1961), an American engineer and neuroscientist who conducts research on the auditory system. *

Laurel Hester Laurel Anne Hester (August 15, 1956 – February 18, 2006) was a police lieutenant with the Ocean County, New Jersey Prosecutor's Office, who came to national attention with her deathbed appeal for the extension of pension benefits to her domestic ...

(1956–2006), American police lieutenant *

Laurel Holloman Laurel Lisa Holloman is an American painter and actress. She is best known for playing Tina Kennard in ''The L Word''. Early life Holloman is the youngest child in her family. She has two older brothers. She graduated from Saint Mary's Schoo ...

, American painter and actress *

Laurel Hubbard Laurel Hubbard (born 9 February 1978) is a New Zealand weightlifter. Selected to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics, she was the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Olympic Games. Prior to making her Olympic debut, Hubbard achieve ...

(born 1978), New Zealand weightlifter * Laurel Hurley (1927–2013), American soprano * Laurel Ivory (born 1999), American NWSL goalkeeper * Laurel J. Brinton (born 1953), American-born Canadian linguist *

Laurel J. Richie Laurel J. Richie is the former president of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Prior to the WNBA She is a graduate of Shaker Heights High School. Before the WNBA, Richie served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ...

, American WNBA president * Laurel Johannesson, Canadian artist * Laurel Johnson (born 1967), Jamaican sprinter *Laurel Johnson, American contestant on

Survivor (American TV series) ''Survivor'' is the American version of the international ''Survivor (franchise), Survivor'' reality competition television franchise, itself derived from the Swedish television series ''Robinson (TV series), Expedition Robinson'' created by C ...

Laurel Kean Laurel Kean (born June 14, 1963) is an American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour. Kean was born in Portland, Maine. She played college golf at University of South Florida where she was an All-American in 1986. Kean turned profe ...

(born 1963), American professional golfer * Laurel Kessel (born 1954), American volleyball player * Laurel Korholz (born 1970), American rower and coach * Laurel L. Wilkening (1944–2019), American planetary scientist and professor * Laurel Lee (disambiguation), several people * Laurel Libby (born 1981), American activist, politician, and interior designer * Laurel Lunt Prussing (born 1941), American politician * Laurel Marsden (born 2001), American actress * Laurel Martin (born 1969), American field hockey player * Laurel Martyn (1916–2013), Australian ballerina *

Laurel Massé Laurel Massé (born December 29, 1951) is an American jazz singer and former member of The Manhattan Transfer. Career Massé was born in Holland, Michigan, grew up in Westchester County, New York, and lived in Europe during her teens. Early in s ...

(born 1951), American jazz singer and past member of vocal group

The Manhattan Transfer The Manhattan Transfer was an American vocal group founded in 1969 in New York City, performing music genres like a cappella, Brazilian jazz, Swing music, swing, vocalese, rhythm and blues, Pop music, pop, and standards. They have won eleven G ...

Laurel McAlister Laurel Grace Barker McAlister (20 October 1892 – 25 February 1981) was a New Zealand welfare worker and community leader. She was born in Temuka, New Zealand, on 20 October 1892. In the 1946 New Year Honours, McAlister was appointed a Mem ...

(1892–1981), New Zealand welfare worker and community leader * Laurel McGoff (born 1995), American actress and participant on reality show

Kid Nation ''Kid Nation'' is an American reality television show hosted by Jonathan Karsh that premiered on the CBS network on September 19, 2007 created by Tom Forman Productions and Endemol USA. In the show, the children try to create a functioning s ...

* Laurel McSherry, American artist and director * Laurel Mellin (born 1949), American author * Laurel Molk, American illustrator and author of children’s books * Laurel Nakadate (born 1975), American feminist video artist, filmmaker, and photographer * Laurel Nannup (born 1943), Western Australian Noongar artist * Laurel Neme, American consultant in environmental and wildlife policy and natural resource management * Laurel O'Donnell, American author of romance novels * Laurel Pardey (1897–1974), Australian pianist * Laurel Parmet, American filmmaker *

Laurel Power Laurel Jean Power (born 7 December 1953) is a former Australian politician. She was born at Augathella and worked as a teacher before entering politics. A member of the Labor Party, she was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly as th ...

(born 1953), Australian politician * Laurel Powers-Freeling (born 1957), British businesswoman *

Laurel Ptak Laurel Ptak is an artist, curator, writer and educator based in New York City specialized in contemporary art. Career Ptak is Curator-at-Large aLighthouse Works an esteemed artist residency and exhibition space in New York, located on Fishers Is ...

, American artist, curator, writer, and educator *

Laurel Rose Willson Laurel Rose Willson (August 18, 1941 – April 8, 2002) was an American con artist and author. She authored books as Lauren Stratford alleging Satanic ritual abuse (SRA), and later assumed the guise of a Holocaust survivor as Laura Grabowski. Th ...

(1941–2002), American author and con artist * Laurel Roth Hope (born 1973), American artist *

Laurel Schafer Laurel Schafer is a Canadian Organic chemist. She is a full professor at the University of British Columbia and Canada Research Chair in Catalyst Development. Schafer's research is at the intersection of organometallic and organic chemistry. E ...

(fl. 1990s–2020s), Canadian organic chemist * Laurel C. Schneider, American theologian and professor * Laurel Snyder (born 1974), American poet and writer of children’s books * Laurel Stavis, American politician *

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (born July 11, 1938) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian specializing in early America and the history of women, and a professor at Harvard University. Her approach to history has been described as a tribute to ...

(born 1938), American historian and professor *

Laurel Touby Laurel Touby (born March 13, 1963) is an American journalist and investor. She is currently the Managing Director of ''Supernode Ventures'', a venture capital firm in New York City. Touby is best known as the founder of Mediabistro, the journalism ...

(born 1963), American journalist and investor * Laurel Trivelpiece (1926–1998), American poet and novelist *

Laurel True Laurel True (born 1968) is an American artist, architectural artist, muralist and mosaic artist. True, founder of one of the first formal mosaic institutes in the United States, Institute of Mosaic Art, was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. True's ...

(born 1968), American artist, architectural artist, muralist, and mosaic artist *

Laurel van der Wal Laurel van der Wal (September 22, 1924 – August 13, 2009) was an American mechanical and aeronautical engineer and a specialist in the problems of crewed space flight. She is known for contributions to bioastronautics, specifically researching ...

(1924–2009), American aeronautical engineer * Laurel Vermillion, American educator and academic administrator *

Laurel Winter Laurel Winter (born Laurel Anne Hjelvik in Columbus, Montana; April 22, 1959) is an author of fantasy, science fiction, and poetry. In childhood, she attended a one-room schoolhouse. Her first published fantasy story was "Mail Order Eyes" in 1988 ...

(born 1959), American author of fantasy, science fiction, and poetry *

Laurel Woodcock Laurel Elizabeth Woodcock (October 22, 1960 – January 7, 2017) was a Canadian artist and academic. She worked in many formats including installation, video, and sculpture. Biography Laurel Woodcock was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and earned her ...

(1960–2017), Canadian artist and academic * Laurel Yurchick (born 1974), birth name of Icy Blu, American recording artist *

Laurel Zuckerman Laurel Zuckerman (born 1960) is an American author based near Paris, France. Biography Zuckerman is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, but now lives in France. She graduated from the HEC School of Management, a French business school. Until 20 ...

(born 1960), American author

Fictional characters

*Laurel, in the YA novel '' Wings (Aprilynne Pike)'' *Laurel, in the children's picture book ''

10,000 Dresses ''10,000 Dresses'' is a 2008 children's picture book written by Marcus Ewert, illustrated by Rex Ray and published by Seven Stories Press. It is about a young transgender girl named Bailey who dreams of wearing extravagant dresses. When she come ...

'' *

Laurel Banning Here is a list of characters who have appeared on the ABC Daytime and TOLN soap opera ''All My Children''. A Carter Anders *Jason Pendergraft (2013) Pine Valley Hospital doctor with an unknown past. Bill Anderson * James Pritchett (1989) ...

, in the US TV soap opera ''

All My Children ''All My Children'' (often shortened to ''AMC'') is an American television soap opera that aired on American Broadcasting Company, ABC from January 5, 1970, to September 23, 2011, and on The Online Network (TOLN) from April 29 to September 2, 2 ...

'', played by Kristen Jensen and Felicity LaFortune *Laurel Boyd, in the 1996 film ''

Jerry Maguire ''Jerry Maguire'' is a 1996 American sports comedy-drama film directed and written by Cameron Crowe. It was produced by Crowe and James L. Brooks for Gracie Films and distributed by TriStar Pictures. It stars Tom Cruise as the titular spor ...

'' (played by Bonny Hunt) *Laurel Castillo, in the US TV series ''

How to Get Away with Murder ''How to Get Away with Murder'' is an American legal drama thriller television series that premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on September 25, 2014, and concluded on May 14, 2020. The series was created by Peter Nowalk and pro ...

'', played by

Karla Souza Karla Susana Olivares Souza (born 11 December 1985) is a Mexican actress known for her roles as Laurel Castillo on the ABC legal drama series ''How to Get Away with Murder'' and Marina Hayworth on the ABC sitcom ''Home Economics''. She won the ...

* Laurel Chapin, in the US soap opera ''

One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as ...

'', played by

Janice Lynde Janice Lynde is an American actress. The Houston-born, Lake Charles, Louisiana-reared Lynde began her career with the Dallas Symphony, both as a pianist and as a vocal soloist. The child of German parents Marvin and Sophia Zoch, she had to lear ...

*Laurel Darkhaven, in the comic book series Rising Stars * Laurel-Ann Drummond, in the horror film ''

Pontypool Pontypool ( ) is a town and the administrative centre of the county borough of Torfaen, within the Historic counties of Wales, historic boundaries of Monmouthshire (historic), Monmouthshire in South Wales. , it has a population of 29,062. Locat ...

'', played by

Georgina Reilly Georgina Reilly (born ) is a British-Canadian film and television actress best known to date for her roles in the films ''Pontypool'' and '' This Movie Is Broken'', the television series ''The L.A. Complex'', ''Quantum Leap'' and ''Murdoch Myster ...

*Laurel Duglose, the late biological mother of protagonist Randal Pearson in ''

This Is Us ''This Is Us'' is an American drama television series created by Dan Fogelman that aired on NBC from September 20, 2016, to May 24, 2022. The series follows the lives and families of two parents and their three children in several different ti ...

'' * Laurel Dupree, in the New Zealand soap opera ''

Shortland Street ''Shortland Street'' is a New Zealand Prime time, prime-time soap opera centring on the fictitious Shortland Street Hospital. The show was first broadcast on TVNZ 2 on 25 May 1992 and is New Zealand's longest-running drama and soap opera, be ...

'', played by Andrea Kelland *

Laurel Gand Laurel Gand is a superheroine appearing in DC Comics, primarily as a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries under the name Andromeda. She was created as a replacement for Supergirl, who was killed in ''Crisis on Infin ...

, a.k.a. Andromeda, superheroine in

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

*Laurel Gray, in the novel and film adaptation '' In a Lonely Place'', played by

Gloria Grahame Gloria Grahame (born Gloria Penelope Hallward; November 28, 1923 – October 5, 1981) was an American actress. She began her acting career in theater, and in 1944 made her first film for MGM. Many biographies indicate she was born Gloria Graham ...

* Laurel Hitchin, in the US crime drama TV series ''

The Blacklist ''The Blacklist'' is an American crime thriller television series created by Jon Bokenkamp and developed by John Eisendrath. It stars James Spader as Raymond Reddington, an international criminal and one of the FBI's Most Wanted fugitives ...

'', played by

Christine Lahti Christine Ann Lahti (born April 4, 1950) is an American actress and filmmaker. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 1984 film '' Swing Shift''. Her other film roles include '' ...And Justice for All'' (197 ...

* Laurel Kent, superheroine in

Laurel Lance Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As one of the earliest female superheroes in the DC Comics universe, the character has made numerous appearances in prominent team-up titles, ...

, a.k.a.

Black Canary Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As one of the earliest female superheroes in the DC Comics universe, the character has made numerous appearances in prominent team-up titles, ...

, superheroine in

Laurel Lance (Arrowverse) Dinah Laurel Lance is a Character (arts), fictional character in The CW's Arrowverse franchise based on the DC Comics character of the Black Canary, same name, created by writer-artist team of Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino, and adapted ...

, in the TV series ''

Arrow An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched by a bow. A typical arrow usually consists of a long, stiff, straight shaft with a weighty (and usually sharp and pointed) arrowhead attached to the front end, multiple fin-like stabilizers c ...

'' who was adapted from Laurel Lance *Laurel Limoges, in the US TV series ''

Privileged (TV series) ''Privileged'' is an American comedy-drama television series that premiered on The CW in the United States and City in Canada from September 9, 2008. The series stars JoAnna Garcia and is based on the 2008 Alloy Entertainment book ''How to Teach ...

'', played by

Anne Archer Anne Archer (born August 24, 1947) is an American actress. Archer was named Miss Golden Globe in 1971, and in the year following, appeared in her feature-film debut '' The Honkers'' (1972). She had supporting roles in '' Cancel My Reservation'' ...

*Laurel Scott, in the film ''

The Oscar The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States in recognition of excellence in ...

'', played by

Jill St. John Jill St. John (born Jill Arlyn Oppenheim; August 19, 1940) is an American retired actress. She is best known for playing Tiffany Case, the first American Bond girl of the James Bond film franchise, in 1971's '' Diamonds Are Forever''. Additiona ...

*Laurel Sommersby, in the 1993 film ''

Sommersby ''Sommersby'' is a 1993 period romantic drama directed by Jon Amiel from a screenplay written by Nicholas Meyer and Sarah Kernochan, adapted from the historical account of the 16th century French peasant Martin Guerre. Based on the 1982 Fre ...

'' (played by Jodie Foster) *Laurel Stevenson, in the novella/TV movie '' The Langoliers'' *

Laurel Takashima ''Babylon 5: The Gathering'' is the test pilot movie of the science fiction television series ''Babylon 5'', aired on February 22, 1993. It is also the first of six feature-length films in the Babylon 5 media franchise. ''The Gathering'' cover ...

, in the 1993 film '' Babylon 5: The Gathering'', played by

Tamlyn Tomita Tamlyn Naomi Tomita (born January 27, 1966) is an American actress. She made her screen debut as Kumiko in '' The Karate Kid Part II'' (1986) and reprised the character for the streaming series '' Cobra Kai'' (2021). She is also well known for ...

Laurel Thomas Laurel Thomas (also Potts and Dingle) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'', played by Charlotte Bellamy. She debuted on screen during the episode airing on 3 September 2002. Laurel has been off-screen at vario ...

, in the British soap opera ''

Emmerdale ''Emmerdale'' (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a British television soap opera that is broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV. The show is set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a List of fictional towns and villages, fict ...

'', played by

Charlotte Bellamy Charlotte Bellamy (born 19 March 1973) is an English actress. She is known for her long-running role as Laurel Thomas in ''Emmerdale'' on ITV (TV network), ITV. Other television roles included Sue Taylor in ''EastEnders'' (1997), and Harriet Pot ...

*Laurel Victor, a character in Rick Riordan's ''

Percy Jackson & the Olympians ''Percy Jackson & the Olympians'' is a fantasy novel series by American author Rick Riordan. The first book series in his ''Camp Half-Blood Chronicles'', the novels are set in a world with the Greek gods in the 21st century. The series foll ...

'' and ''

The Trials of Apollo ''The Trials of Apollo'' is a pentalogy of fantasy adventure and mythological fiction novels written by American author Rick Riordan that collectively form a sequel to the '' Heroes of Olympus'' series. It is set in the same world as Riordan's ...

'' *Laurel Weaver/Agent L., in the film ''

Men in Black In popular culture and UFO conspiracy theories, men in black (MIB) are government agents dressed in dark suits, who question, interrogate, harass, and threaten unidentified flying object (UFO) witnesses to keep them silent about what they have ...

'', played by

Linda Fiorentino Clorinda "Linda" Fiorentino (born March 9, 1958) is an American actress. Fiorentino made her screen debut with a leading role in the 1985 coming-of-age drama film ''Vision Quest'', followed that same year with another lead role in the action fil ...

*Laurel Yeung, in the Canadian TV series ''

Edgemont (TV series) ''Edgemont'' is a Canadian television series that aired from 2000 to 2004. ''Edgemont'' debuted January 4, 2000, on CBC Television and aired its final episode on July 21, 2004. There were a total of 70 episodes during its five-season run; the f ...

'', played by

Kristin Kreuk Kristin Laura Kreuk (; born December 30, 1982) is a Canadian actress. Debuting on teen drama '' Edgemont'', she became most known for her television roles as Lana Lang in the superhero television series ''Smallville'' (2001–2011), Catherine ...

People

Fictional characters

See also