Laurelei is a captivating name of recent origin, derived from the Welsh word 'llawr' meaning 'laurel', a tree known for its evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers. The name Laurelei also has a touch of French influence, as it shares similarities with the French name Laurence or Laurentine.
This unique and beautiful name has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking distinctive monikers for their daughters. Pronounced /lɔːrˈleɪ/ (lawr-LAY), Laurelei rolls off the tongue with a pleasing rhythm, making it both easy to remember and enjoyable to say.
The name Laurelei is also associated with a fascinating historical figure - Laurelei de la Tour Landry, a French noblewoman who lived in the 15th century. Known for her wit, intelligence, and beauty, she was a respected figure at the court of King Charles VII. This connection lends an aura of elegance and sophistication to the name Laurelei.
In literature, the name appears in Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series as one of the characters, although this is not its primary association. More notably, it is used as the title of a novel by Irish author Michael Malone, further adding to its cultural resonance.
Overall, Laurelei is an attractive and distinctive name that combines elements of Welsh and French origin, offering parents a unique option for their daughter's name while also providing a rich historical and literary context.
The name Laurelei saw a spike in popularity between 2004 and 2008 with the highest years being 7 births each in 2004 and 2008. After a decline from 2010 to 2013, it began to rise again, reaching its peak recent high of 9 births in 2015. Since then, it has maintained a relatively consistent popularity with 8 births each in 2016 and 2019, and most recently 6 births in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 66 births with the name Laurelei since 2004.