Laurelei

Laurelei is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Lorelei (or Loreley). The original Lorelei comes from German folklore, referring to a siren who sat atop a rock on the Rhine River and lured sailors to their doom with her enchanting singing. The name combines elements suggesting 'murmuring rock.' This alternative spelling incorporates 'laurel,' the evergreen shrub associated with victory and achievement in classical tradition. Laurelei emerged in usage during the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive spellings of familiar names. The name has a musical, flowing quality with its succession of liquid consonants and open vowels, evoking a sense of mystery and feminine grace.

Pronounced LOR-uh-ly.

As of October 2026, Laurelei ranked #14554 in US births in 2022 SSA, peaked at #11456 in 2015.