Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

I’ve always liked my name. Maybe not as much when I was younger, but definitely as I got older. It’s a feminine, yet strong, and classic name.

Laura means “crown” referring to “crown of laurel leaves” or “crown of victory” with its origins in Latin. In ancient times, a crown was made from the leaves of the bay laurel for heroes as a symbol of honor and victory.

The name gained notoriety after the 9th century due to Santa Laura de Córdoba, who was born in Cordova, Spain. She became a nun after she was widowed, and was scalded to death by her Moorish captors.

Saint Laura of Cordoba is venerated in both the Orthodox Church (October 19) and Roman Catholic Church (October 21). It is said her relics are still venerated in Spain.

While I don’t plan to end up a martyr in my lifetime, and hopefully won’t meet my end in a scalding death, I do hope that I can embody the victorious spirit that my name implies.

Some people don’t give thoughts at all to the origins of their names, or even think their name fits them very well. However, I am one who enjoys digging deep into the history of the past. There are so many great things to learn about our vast world.

And while this may not be as true today, in many cultures and belief systems, the name given to a child determines his or her character, destiny, and future.

Suffice to say, the name Laura represents the embodiment of victory and strength, which are characteristics I strive for in life.