This page is historical. Follow this link for the current version.
Dictionary of Medieval Names
from European Sources

Laura f. Withycombe s.n. Laura comments that the name is etymology of this name is obscure; it is likely related to Laurence, perhaps as a pet form of the feminine Laurencia. Because this identification is uncertain, Laura is generally treated as a distinct name.

The name of a 9th C Spanish saint and a 15th C Greek saint.

The name occurs in 14th C poetry as the name of the love of Petrarch, which contributed to its popularity in Renaissance Italy.

England
Latin
1377 Lora (nom) FenPT-2 p. 5; 1381 Lora (nom) Suffolk1381 p. 111; 1427 Loræ (gen) WillsInv LII
Middle English
1427 Lore WillsInv LII
Early Modern English
1592 Loar COmar-vol2 p. 102
France
Latin
1301 Lorete (gen) MemPic-vol17 p. 200
Italy
Latin
1522x1532 Laura (nom) DSF p. 51, 20; 1527 Laura (nom) Rome1527 p. 83
1522x1532 Laurecta (nom) DSF p. 58, 35
Spain
Catalan
1510 Loreta valencia1510 4227
Cite as: S.L. Uckelman. "Laura". In S.L. Uckelman, ed. The Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources, Edition 2015, no. 3. http://dmnes.org/2015/3/name/Laura.