Laurette is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Latin word "laurus," which means "laurel." In ancient Rome, laurel was a sacred plant dedicated to the god Apollo and was often used to create wreaths for victorious athletes and generals. As such, the name Laurette has been associated with success and triumph throughout history.
The use of the name Laurette dates back to the Middle Ages in France. It was often given to girls born around the time of the feast day of Saint Laurentius, who was martyred on August 10th. Over time, the name evolved from its original Latin form into various regional variants, such as Laurita and Laura.
Laurette has been popular throughout different eras in France but has also gained international recognition due to its charm and elegance. In English-speaking countries, Laurette is often seen as a more sophisticated alternative to other names like Laura or Lauren.
Overall, the name Laurette carries a rich history and cultural significance, making it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a feminine name with French roots.
The name Laurette has been a part of the American naming landscape for over a century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced fluctuations in popularity, with some years seeing more than ten births and others fewer than five.
The highest number of births recorded was in 1927, with 64 babies named Laurette. This marked the peak of Laurette's popularity during this period. However, even at its height, Laurette was not among the most popular names of the time, which may have contributed to its rarity today.
Interestingly, there are a few periods where the name seems to have gained some traction. Between 1956 and 1960, for instance, there were consistently over 50 births each year, peaking at 79 in 1960. This suggests that Laurette might have experienced brief revivals in popularity during this era.
However, from the late 1960s onwards, the name appears to have fallen out of favor, with fewer than ten births recorded each year until the early 2000s. Since then, it has remained relatively uncommon, with only a handful of births reported annually.
In total, over the course of more than a century (1890-2015), there were 3106 babies named Laurette in the United States. This demonstrates that while Laurette may not have been one of the most popular names, it has nonetheless maintained a steady, if small, presence throughout American history.