laurier

Laurier is the French word for laurel, the evergreen plant historically associated with victory and honor. Beyond its botanical meaning, Laurier is used as a surname and appears in various Canadian toponymy and institutions, often in honor of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a prominent Canadian statesman.

The most notable bearer of the name is Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1841–1919), who served as the seventh Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. His leadership coincided with a period of economic growth and national expansion, and his time in office is frequently described as the Laurier Era within Canadian political history. The surname has also appeared among other public figures in French-speaking regions, though it is most closely linked to Laurier himself.

In Canada, several institutions and places bear the Laurier name. Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, is named in his honor. Laurier House in Ottawa is a National Historic Site that served as the residence of two prime ministers. Laurier Avenue is a commonly referenced street name in Ottawa and appears in other Canadian cities as well.

Outside of these uses, Laurier refers to the laurel plant in French and retains its symbolic associations with victory and achievement. As a surname, it is most widely recognized for its connections to Wilfrid Laurier and the Canadian legacy associated with his name.