Laurer

Laurer is a surname of Germanic origin. It is relatively uncommon and appears in North American and European records. The name is most readily associated with a few individuals who have carried it into public note, though detailed genealogical origins may vary by family line.

The most widely known person with this surname is Joanie Laurer (1969–2014), an American professional wrestler, actress, and author who performed under the ring name Chyna. Laurer rose to prominence in World Wrestling Entertainment during the late 1990s and is frequently cited in discussions of women in professional wrestling. Her career and public persona contributed to broader conversations about gender representation in sports entertainment, and she remains a notable figure in wrestling history.

Beyond Joanie Laurer, people named Laurer have contributed to a range of fields, including the arts, academia, and business, though these individuals may be less widely known. The surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a smaller presence in German-speaking countries, reflecting historical migration and diaspora patterns. As a surname, Laurer is part of a broader family of related spellings and variants in European and North American records.