ローラ
Your name
Laura
in Japanese
The default way to write Laura in Japanese is ローラ — a phonetic katakana spelling that captures the sound and signals, instantly to a Japanese reader, that the name comes from elsewhere. But katakana is only one of three answers Japanese gives to a foreign name.
Below, we show all three. First the official katakana. Then a set of meaning kanji chosen to express what Laura actually means at the root — From Latin 'laurus' meaning laurel tree — symbol of victory, honor, and triumph in ancient Rome where laurel wreaths crowned victors and poets. Finally a set of ateji, the playful tradition where the kanji match the sound and tell their own small story underneath.
Katakana — Phonetic
How Laura is most commonly written in Japanese — used on official documents, business cards, and signage.
Meaning Kanji — Etymology
"Laura" means: From Latin 'laurus' meaning laurel tree — symbol of victory, honor, and triumph in ancient Rome where laurel wreaths crowned victors and poets.
勝月
Shougetsu
勝 (victory, triumph) + 月 (moon) — captures the victorious essence of the laurel crown paired with lunar grace.
栄樹
Eiju
栄 (glory, flourishing honor) + 樹 (standing tree) — evokes the laurel tree as a living monument to honor and renown.
誉葉
Yoha
誉 (honor, praise) + 葉 (leaf) — directly mirrors the laurel leaf as a symbol of celebrated achievement.
Ateji — Sound + Meaning
Where the sound matches and the kanji tell their own small story. The Edo scholars and modern manga authors both played this game.
露羅
Roura
露 (dew, morning mist — mystical and ephemeral beauty) + 羅 (gossamer silk, fine gauze) — a dreamy, mystical image of dew shimmering on delicate silk.
朗良
Roura
朗 (bright, cheerful, clear-voiced) + 良 (good, virtuous, fine) — a cool and uplifting combination evoking a bright and admirable presence.
蕗來
Roura
蕗 (butterbur, a wild spring plant) + 來 (arrival, coming) — a cute, nature-inspired image of spring's arrival with fresh green sprouts.
Not sure which form to use?
Katakana, meaning kanji, and ateji each belong to a different part of Japanese life — official paperwork, calligraphy and gifts, signatures and wordplay. Our full guide walks through when to reach for each one.
Read the guide: the three ways to write your name in Japanese →
Seven, drawn