National Laura Day
A name day on December 23 honoring individuals named Laura and the name's cultural legacy in literature, fashion, and public life.
Introduction
December 23rd marks National Laura Day, a time to celebrate a name that bridges centuries and cultures with effortless grace. From a ninth-century Spanish martyr to modern Academy Award winners, the name Laura carries a legacy of strength and creativity. It is a name that connects the foundational sonnets of Italian poetry, the beloved stories of the American frontier, and global fashion brands born from humble kitchen tables. With over 860,000 Americans bearing the name—mostly from its peak popularity between the 1960s and 1980s—Laura has become a cherished generational marker. While it may be rarer for newborns today, its classic appeal remains undeniable. Today, we honor the Lauras, Lauries, and Loras who have shaped our world, celebrating the vibrant personalities and timeless charm of everyone who carries this beautiful name. Let’s make this day truly special for them!
🌸 National Laura Day Countdown
Wednesday
23
December 2026
Loading...
National Laura Day Timeline
864
Saint Laura of Cordoba martyred
The abbess of the convent of Santa Maria de Cuteclara was executed in Cordoba, Spain, becoming one of the Martyrs of Cordoba and later a Catholic and Orthodox saint.
1327
Petrarch first sees Laura de Noves
Italian poet Francesco Petrarch reportedly encountered Laura de Noves in a church in Avignon on April 6, beginning a literary devotion that produced 366 poems.
1932
Wilder publishes first book at 65
Laura Ingalls Wilder released Little House in the Big Woods at age 65, launching a series that would sell approximately 60 million copies worldwide.
1953
Laura Ashley brand begins
Welsh designer Laura Ashley started printing textile designs from her London kitchen table, building what would become a global fashion and home decor brand.
1969
Laura peaks at #10 in the U.S.
The Social Security Administration recorded Laura as the tenth most popular girls' name in the United States, the highest ranking in the name's modern history.
1993
Laura Dern stars in Jurassic Park
Laura Dern's portrayal of paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster became one of the most recognized roles associated with the name.
How to Celebrate National Laura Day
1
Visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead
Plan a trip to one of several preserved Wilder sites, including the homestead in Mansfield, Missouri. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum offers tours of the house where she wrote the Little House series.
2
Read Petrarch's sonnets to Laura
Explore the Canzoniere, particularly Sonnets 1 through 5, which introduce Petrarch's devotion to Laura de Noves. The Encyclopaedia Britannica provides historical context on the collection and its influence on the sonnet form.
3
Watch a Laura Dern film marathon
Stream Jurassic Park, Marriage Story, or Wild to appreciate a career spanning four decades and an Academy Award. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosts her award history and filmography.
4
Try a Laura Ashley-inspired craft project
Print or paint floral patterns onto fabric, tote bags, or pillowcases using a simple block-printing technique inspired by Ashley's original kitchen-table method. Her signature style of small-scale florals on natural fabrics is straightforward to replicate with basic supplies.
5
Research the Lauras in your family tree
Use the day to explore genealogy databases for relatives named Laura, Lauren, or Laurel. Tracking how the name moved through your family can reveal generational naming patterns and regional preferences you may not have known about.
Why We Love National Laura Day
A
It connects to documented artistic and literary influence
Petrarch's Canzoniere, written for a woman named Laura, established the sonnet form that shaped English poetry from Shakespeare to the Romantics. The name is directly attached to one of the most consequential developments in Western literary history.
B
It represents a cross-cultural naming tradition
Laura has maintained popularity across linguistic boundaries for centuries, ranking in the top 10 baby names in nine European countries as recently as 2009. That consistency makes it one of the few names to sustain high usage across both Romance and Germanic language families simultaneously.
C
It spans multiple fields of American achievement
Laura Dern won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2020, Laura Bush served as First Lady from 2001 to 2009, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's books remain among the best-selling children's series ever published. The name appears across entertainment, politics, and literature with unusual frequency.
National Laura Day FAQs
What is the official date for National Laura Day?
We celebrate the beauty and history of this name on December 23rd, a Wednesday in 2026, right in the heart of the holiday season.
What does the name Laura actually mean?
The name is derived from the Latin "Laurus," which refers to the laurel tree, a symbol of honor, victory, and poetic achievement.
Why is National Laura Day celebrated in December?
It serves as a special moment to recognize the hundreds of thousands of Lauras just before the busy Christmas holiday begins.
How can I celebrate National Laura Day?
Reach out to the Lauras in your life with a kind message, a small gift, or a social media shout-out to let them know they are appreciated.
Who is the most famous historical Laura?
Many think of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the "Little House" series, who defined the American frontier spirit for generations.
Is Laura still a popular name for babies today?
While it was a top 20 name in the late 20th century, it is now more of a "generational classic" and sits outside the top 300.
What are some common nicknames for Laura?
Popular variations and nicknames include Laurie, Lolly, Lora, and Laur, each adding a personal touch to the classic name.
What is the connection between the name Laura and Italian poetry?
Petrarch, a famous Italian poet, wrote a legendary series of sonnets dedicated to a woman named Laura, cementing the name in literary history.
How many people in the United States are named Laura?
Approximately 860,000 Americans carry the name, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved names in the country.
Is there a specific flower for National Laura Day?
The laurel leaf or laurel flower is the primary symbol, but any elegant bloom like a rose or lily fits the name’s classic vibe.
Can I celebrate if my name is spelled Lora or Laurette?
Absolutely, National Laura Day is an inclusive celebration for all variations and linguistic versions of this beautiful name.
Who is a famous modern actress named Laura?
Laura Dern is a highly celebrated Academy Award winner who has brought great modern prestige to this timeless name.
What fashion brand is associated with the name Laura?
Laura Ashley is the most famous example, a brand that started at a kitchen table and grew into a global symbol of floral elegance.
Why is Laura considered a generational marker?
Because so many Lauras were born between 1960 and 1980, the name often evokes a specific sense of warmth and nostalgia for that era.
Top Emojis for National Laura Day
🌸
Classic Laurel Bloom
This represents the name's Latin roots, meaning "laurel," symbolizing honor and the timeless beauty found in every Laura.
👑
The Crown of Victory
Historically associated with winners and poets, this emoji celebrates the natural grace and quiet leadership of women named Laura.
🎁
Pre-Holiday Surprise
Since National Laura Day falls right before Christmas, this is perfect for showing extra appreciation with a thoughtful, festive gift.
📝
The Storyteller’s Pen
From Italian sonnets to "Little House on the Prairie," this honors the incredible literary legacy tied to this famous name.
❤️
Pure Heartfelt Love
A simple and sweet way to show warmth to the amazing Lauras who make our lives brighter every single day.
National Laura Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2025
Dec 23
Tuesday
2026
Dec 23
Wednesday
2027
Dec 23
Thursday
2028
Dec 23
Saturday
2029
Dec 23
Sunday
