National Lauren Day – October 22, 2024

History of National Lauren Day

The name Lauren is derived from the masculine French name Laurence, which itself originates from Latin. In Latin, Laurence, or Laurentius, translates to “person from Laurentum,” the ancient Roman city that was considered the first capital of the Latins. Due to its historical significance, Laurentius became a common name in ancient Rome and the eras that followed.

The name Laurentius is believed to have derived from the Latin word ‘laurus,’ which means ‘laurel.’ Due to the laurel being a symbol of wisdom and triumph, its associated names have evolved to convey these meanings. Lauren has also been used as a boy’s name, albeit less frequently, even in this relatively modern age.

The feminine Lauren‌ is considered to be a recent mutation of the original name. The popularity of the name has been accepted, particularly in the United States, to stem from the popularity of actress Lauren Bacall. In the 1940s, Bacall rose to prominence in Hollywood with films such as “To Have or Have Not.” Statisticians note that Bacall’s success propelled the name out of obscurity and has since been linked to her on-screen personality of poise, grace, and wittiness.

Coming from its popularity in the 1940s through to the 1970s, Lauren, as a name, reached peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, consistently remaining in the American top 25 until 2006. It remains a fairly desirable name despite its relative decline in use. Other variations of Lauren are used in various cultures, such as Laurentia (Romanian), Laurens (Dutch), Lorena (Latin American), and Lorens (Swedish). Popular alternatives include Laura, Laurena, Laurie, Loren, and Lauryn. Lauren is a more preferred name for some than Laura, because of its gentler, more feminine connotations. It is also prominent as a surname.