Laurie

Laurie is an English name functioning as both a diminutive of Laura and an independent given name, ultimately derived from the Latin laurus, meaning laurel tree. The laurel was a symbol of honor and victory in ancient Rome, giving the root name strong classical associations. Laurie gained particular popularity as a feminine given name in the twentieth century, though it has also been used for men, notably the male character Laurie in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Related forms include Laura, Lauren, Laurence, and Loretta.