Laura in Chinese
Laura in Chinese is 劳拉 (Láo Lā).
- Origin
- Latin
- Meaning
- laurel, victory
The name traces back to Latin sources, where it is usually explained as "laurel, victory". It has been in continuous US use since Social Security records begin in 1880, peaking in the 1960s. Names sharing the same root meaning include Lauren, Larry.
3 ways to write Laura
phonetic
Following the sound of your name
劳拉
Láo Lā
The standard transliteration of Laura: 劳 (láo, "labor, toil"), 拉 (lā, "to pull (phonetic 'la')"). Chosen for sound, it is instantly recognizable as this name.
Why these characters?
Syllable by syllable: 劳 (láo) carries "lau", 拉 (lā) carries "ra". The tone contour is 2-1 (rising, high level).
Character breakdown
16 strokes total (simplified)- 劳
láo
Tone 2 · 8 strokes (simplified)
labor, toil
- 拉
lā
Tone 1 · 8 strokes (simplified)
to pull (phonetic 'la')
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meaningful
Chosen for meaning and association
桂馨
Guì Xīn
Inspired by "laurel, victory": 桂 (guì, "osmanthus; laurel") + 馨 (xīn, "fragrance; lasting fame"), expressing victory and honor.
Why these characters?
The idea of "laurel" behind Laura is rendered by 桂, "osmanthus; laurel"; 馨, "fragrance; lasting fame", completes it.
Character breakdown
30 strokes total (simplified)- 桂
guì
Tone 4 · 10 strokes (simplified)
osmanthus; laurel
- 馨
xīn
Tone 1 · 20 strokes (simplified)
fragrance; lasting fame
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balanced
A balance of sound and meaning
捷桂
Jié Guì
捷 (jié, "quick, victorious") + 桂 (guì, "osmanthus; laurel"): a natural Chinese given name themed on victory and honor.
Why these characters?
No attractive character closely matches "lau" (láo), so 捷 ("quick, victorious") and 桂 ("osmanthus; laurel") were chosen for victory and honor.
Character breakdown
21 strokes total (simplified)- 捷
jié
Tone 2 · 11 strokes (simplified)
quick, victorious
- 桂
guì
Tone 4 · 10 strokes (simplified)
osmanthus; laurel
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Popularity in the US
US Social Security records show 794,653 girls named Laura since 1880, with the high point in 1964 (18,972 births) and the busiest decade being the 1960s. Between 1990 and 2017 it slipped, from #29 to #340 among girls.
- Peak year
- 1964
- Peak decade
- 1960s
- First year
- 1880
- Total since 1880
- 794,653
More About Laura in Chinese
The Chinese translation of Laura offers multiple styles to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer a phonetic transliteration that sounds like your name, or a meaningful interpretation that captures the essence of Laura, you'll find options that work for you.
Names with the same root meaning include Lauren in Chinese, and Larry in Chinese, which share similar origins or meanings.
If you're exploring Chinese names for girls, you might also be interested in Lauren in Chinese, Larry in Chinese, and Mary in Chinese. Each name has its own unique character combinations and meanings.
Other popular choices include Allison in Chinese, Sara in Chinese, Ava in Chinese, Andrea in Chinese, and Courtney in Chinese, each with beautiful traditional and simplified character options.
When choosing Chinese characters for Laura, consider whether you want:
- Phonetic accuracy: Characters that sound like Laura to native Chinese speakers
- Meaningful symbolism: Characters chosen for their beautiful meanings and cultural significance
- Balanced approach: A combination of sound and meaning that works well in both languages
Browse our complete A-Z index of Chinese names to explore more options, or start with our curated list of popular names in Chinese to see what others are choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Laura in Chinese characters?
劳拉 (Láo Lā), or 勞拉 in traditional script. This is the conventional transliteration used in Chinese media.
Is there a Chinese name for Laura with real meaning?
Try 桂馨 (Guì Xīn): osmanthus; laurel + fragrance; lasting fame, inspired by "laurel, victory". For something that still sounds like Laura, 捷桂 (Jié Guì) is a middle ground.
How many strokes does 劳拉 have?
16 strokes in simplified form and 20 in traditional; per character: 劳 8, 拉 8.