The name Loura is of French origin and it means "laurel". In ancient times, laurel was a symbol of victory and triumph, as it was used to create wreaths for victorious athletes in Ancient Greece and Rome. The name Loura has a rich history, with many notable individuals bearing the name throughout history.
One of the most famous people named Loura is French novelist George Sand (1804-1876), whose real name was Amantine Aurore Lucille Dupin. She was known for her romantic novels and plays, as well as her involvement in political issues of her time. Another notable figure is Portuguese poet Lourau de Carvalho (1853-1921), who was a prominent member of the Generation of '70 literary movement.
The name Loura has also been used in popular culture, such as in the 2006 French film "Loura" directed by François Ozon, which tells the story of a woman named Loura who struggles with her identity and sexuality. Overall, the name Loura is associated with creativity, intelligence, and strength of character, as reflected by its notable bearers throughout history.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Loura has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest year recorded is 1917 with 7 births, and the latest is 1997 with 5 births.
From 1917 to 1934, the number of births per year fluctuated between 5 and 9, with no consistent trend upwards or downwards. However, from 1937 onwards, there was a notable increase in popularity for the name Loura. The highest number of births recorded in a single year during this period was 30 in 1963.
The peak years for the name Loura appear to be between 1955 and 1968, with several years having more than 15 births each. It's interesting to note that even after the peak years, the popularity of the name Loura remained relatively high compared to earlier decades.
Overall, despite some fluctuations in popularity over the years, Loura has consistently been a chosen name for parents in the United States since at least 1917. It's clear that this name holds enduring appeal for many families across different eras.