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National Laura Day celebrates individuals named Laura every December 23. This day recognizes the enduring popularity and charm of a name with deep historical roots and a significant presence across the globe. Take a moment to acknowledge the Lauras in your life, whether through a thoughtful message, a small gift, or simply by sharing their stories.
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History of National Laura Day
Laura is the feminized version of ‘Laurus,’ Latin for ‘bay laurel plant,’ a symbol of victory, honor, and fame in Greco-Roman societies. Laura represented strength and victory. The first prominent person with the name was Saint Laura of Cordoba. Laura was a nun who rose to the rank of an abbess. She was a Martyr of Cordoba, who was killed in 864 A.D. The Saint Laura Stadium in Chile honors her memory and there is a day set aside for her commemoration.
American singer-songwriter Laura Ann Branigan, best known for her songs “Gloria” and “Self Control,” started her musical career as a backup singer for Leonard Cohen. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, working as a waitress to support herself. Her 1982 smash hit “Gloria” was a cover of Umberto Tozzi’s work. Branagan’s version was certified platinum and spent 36 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. Her 1984 song “Self Control” topped the charts in Canada and Germany, and reached number four on American charts. Today, Branigan’s iconic “Gloria” is associated with the NHL team, the St. Louis Blues, who played the song in 2019 when they won the Stanley Cup.
Actress and producer Laura Dern, who played Dr. Ellie Sattler in “Jurassic Park,” is the recipient of several film awards. Dern, born in 1967 to actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, was thrown into the spotlight at a young age. She held the title of Miss Golden Globe at the age of 15 and made her acting debut as an extra in the film “White Lightning,” which starred her mother. Dern will reprise her role as Dr. Sattler in “Jurassic World Dominion” in 2022.
National Laura Day timeline
Meryl is played by Laura Linney in "The Truman Show," for which she won Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Diane Ladd and Laura Dern are the first mother and daughter to receive an Academy Award nomination for the same movie.
Laura Branigan releases her album “Gloria.”
Laura Ingalls publishes her first book, “Little House in the Big Woods,” which chronicles her childhood in the American Midwest.
National Laura Day FAQs
When is National Laura Day?
National Laura Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, December 23. It’s a perfect mid-week opportunity to celebrate the wonderful Lauras in your life.
How many people in the U.S. are named Laura?
According to recent data, approximately 850,000 individuals in the U.S. bear the name Laura. This makes it a widely recognized and cherished name across the country.
What is the history of the name Laura's popularity?
The name Laura has seen fluctuating popularity, ranking 17th in 1880 and reaching its peak at 10th place in 1969. It experienced a notable comeback in the 1980s, influenced by figures like actress Laura Dern.
What does the name Laura mean?
The name Laura originates from the Latin word ‘laurus,’ meaning ‘laurel’ or ‘bay laurel tree.’ Historically, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and honor, associating the name with triumph and distinction.
National Laura Day Activities
Get a laurel wreath
In Rome, laurels represented victory or the pursuit of success in music, poetry, and sports. Purchase a laurel wreath, and proudly wear it around your neck or head on this National Laura Day.
Listen to Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan has a beautiful voice and writes catchy songs. So go on, put on her songs, and dance away.
Light a candle
Light a candle for Saint Laura on National Laura Day. Spare a few moments of silence in her memory.
5 Lovely Facts About Laura
The Laura who wrote an amazing book
The author of "Little House on the Prairie," Laura Ingalls Wilder, started writing when she was forty years old.
The Laura with theater in her blood
Romulus Linney, a playwright, was the father of actress Laura Linney.
The Laura who featured in a musical
In the musical "Love, Janis," Janis Joplin was portrayed by Laura Branigan.
The Laura who impressed a legend
Martin Scorsese declared that Laura Dern would become a successful actor in the future after seeing her perform as an extra in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore."
The Laura who co-authored a hit song
“How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?” was co-written by Laura Branigan and Michael Bolton.
Why We Love National Laura Day
It’s a name that does not grow old
We prefer to look at the name Laura as a vintage. Like 'fine wine,' it gets better with age.
It is musical to the ears
Perhaps it's the vowels or the way it rolls off your tongue. All we know is that Laura sounds lovely.
It means victory
Everyone wants to be connected to a positive name. Laura is a representation of prosperity and triumph in all endeavors.
National Laura Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 23 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 23 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 23 | Saturday |
| 2029 | December 23 | Sunday |
| 2030 | December 23 | Monday |
