It’s All in the Name
My pen name is Aurie, but my first name is Lauria. I’m not the first in my family with the name. My father and grandfather have my exact name which would then make me the third. It is a title that I wear proudly. I have now come to terms with people assuming that I am lying to them when they discover my name. For this reason, I decided to get some clarity of the origin of my name. I was born in Jamaica, but through family inquiries, I have found out that I have roots in west Africa, namely the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. I also have English history behind me as well as Maroon roots as well. The Maroons were the runaway slaves in Jamaica who rebelled and attempted to disrupt the established order of plantation life back in the 19th century. However, I have always wondered what my name means and why was it Lauria. My grandfather was in the military and was also a police officer. My father is an accomplished academic with a business savy that is very appealing. Then, you have me.
Finding out where Lauria comes from wasn’t an easy task, but it didn’t take all that long either to get some great information.
The first and easiest place to look for my name is at Google. Of course, there were over 1.5 million results….something I certainly did not expect. Here are some of the results that I found associated with my name.
- Rutgers Media Relations
- The Hotel Lauria
- A GMC Dealership
- The Credit Union of New Jersey – Instant Access – Branch Locations/Directions
The most significant find was searching to see that the name Lauria is a bustling southern Italian town near Naples.
When it comes to using Lauria as a name, the preferred choice for most people is to use it as a last name. I also found that the spelling of the name Lauria is interchangeable with Loria. I am used to seeing the word Loria on last names, but there are many people with my name as a last name. There is a famous actor – Dan Lauria. I mention Dan Lauria because I went to the University of Connecticut – Storrs for a year and he graduated from the same school in 1975. If only there was an endowment for anyone with the name Lauria. Just kidding…sorta.
So, all in all, my name is pretty awesome. I love it and I know you secretly love it too. To all the Laurias out there, first or last name, Live long & Live strong.
You didn’t mention anything about the street walker from the Netherlands…LOL…and I think you should add a pronounciation key to deter the common mistake that was made by your high school Latin teacher…unless you secretly love it…
Ok. That’s Lauria – pronounced – Law-ree-ah
I love learning about names! I like to try and see if I can find the root word and meaning.
Example: My maiden name is “Sedita” and is Italian. I never looked this up, but I saw the word “sedate” in there and took it to mean that this people were relatively laid back, mainly because my father is that way and most of his family are that way. I am to some extent, but I share “crazy” traits with my mother.
Now enter my first husband’s surname which was “Vivona”. This, I know, means something like “life” or “enliven”. Ironically, that family is pretty uptight, like getting all riled up over little things, and all the time.
Sorry for taking up so much space. I thought your post interesting.
Hey buddy, LAG III namely, what does the “A” mean…lol?…you sneaky man…lol! Let us know please…
thats not all that important really. haha….i can’t reveal my full government on the internet…
I think you have an awesome name!
Lauria. I dig it.
Grrant! Stop lying a ’bout err name. Tell the tooth boy!
Lauria is pronounced “La-weh-longa” derives from the word wehlonga. The Wehlonga Tribe of the Northeastern region of the Americas grew to power after the Native Americans and sometime before the Democrats came to power. In short, they were known for – well (not in short really), “we-longa-than-u” assets.
Enjoy.
you are a mess uncle!! you’ve got jokes for days it seems.
Hi Aurie, my last name is the same as your first. I am African American and in the beginning stages of learning more about the origin of my name. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. I never really started doing any real research until late last year. I’ve always wondered, but no one in my family could really give me answers. So I was on da hunt. There is still so much to learn, so I’ll keep on trying.
Your name’s pronounciation sounds close to the Ghanaian family name Laryea, and you may find it interesting to search on that too. Good searching.
Your first name is my last name, but spelled Loria. Upon hearing my last name, people often say that it would make a great first name as well.
My family originates from Sicily, the bridge between mainland Italy and Northern Africa. So it appears your research has merit.
Karen!! You made my day even if it’s Friday the 13th. The Italian teacher in my HS has your spelling of your last name as well. I believe that your spelling is the most popular. I actually found someone (one of my clients) who has my spelling for their last name also and her husband’s family is from southern Italy. We had a 5 minute conversation about it and I thought it was great. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you’ll be back.
Gonna have to get me one of those Jamaician flag Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt’s on your store site. Never seen one like that. Real cool stuff over there.
Thanks…I was checking out your stuff too islandbreeze.
hehe.. someone told.. italians do it better!! hahaha!!
i’m joking ofcourse!!
I like your name,you know it! Hehe.. it’s a lil’ strange for me to see it like a name cuz i’m used to see it as a surname here in Italy…
And Lauria III it’s aweosome!!! ^_^
hehe!!
Thanks Chica!! It’s always great to hear thoughts from the source which would be Italy.
hi lauria…
i found your site through a comment you left on mine. i have to tell you that i really love what you have here. your writing style is so unique and refreshing. loved the “it’s all in the name” page. can’t wait to see if you find out any more.
as always… nikki
Most of my ancesters come from French Canada to France. I got my name from my godmother. I’m a woman.I have not known anyone else with my name. If my name means something I don’t know what it is.
I have a friend from Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica with the exact name of Lauria Grant.Interestingly,his dad was a detective.I wonder if there is a connection.
Esteban, I believe you are talking about my father. There has to be a connection. I am the third generation.
I had a feeling that Lauria would be a name given to mostly women as a first name. However, it has been my limited experience to see it more as an Italian surname due to the fact that it is the name of a historic location in Italy. Although, I am not absolutely clear about European history, I believe that many people would have they given name and then the name of where they came from would be an attribution/surname. Can anyone verify for me?
Respect star! How interesting?! The world is really small fi true.I know your (the Grant) family extremely well.It is a long story, and I will keep you posted (but not on the site).Hail up your dad for me.When you speak to/with him,please inform him to jog his memory regarding the Reids.Both families (the Grants and Reids)lived on the same street for a considerable period of time.I do not know if you have my e-mail,but if you do, I would greatly appreciate it,if you could furnish him with same.If not, I will try and get it to you.Also,if you utter the Latin phrase of SIC LUCEAT LUX to him, he will immediately discern everything.RESPECT Aurie,a pleasure meeting a close friend’s son on the net.
Hi Aurie,
It’s been a while since my last entry. I’m excited because I’m going to have my geneology chart done next weekend. Should I say, I’m going to go hand over my information that I’ve collected from my family. So hopefully in the next three weeks I’ll have some more information and I’ll share it with you. So hope all is well with ya and you keep it move’n
So, do you pronounce the “a” at the end of your name? We don’t, and people are always mispronouncing it. I guess a silent vowel will do that though. Neat website.
Thanks for stopping by J Lauria. I actually do pronounce the “a” at the end. How do you phonetically pronounce your last name?