The name Lori is a diminutive form of the Italian name Lora, which in turn is derived from the Latin name Laura. Laura itself comes from the Latin word "laurus," meaning "laurel." The laurel plant has held symbolic significance in various cultures, often representing victory, honor, and academic achievement.

Lori first emerged as a standalone name in Italy during the Middle Ages. It gained popularity as a feminine name, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. The name Lori was also used in other parts of Europe, such as France and Spain, where it was sometimes spelled as Laure or Lauri.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lori can be found in the 14th-century literary work "The Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio. In this collection of novellas, one of the characters is named Lori, suggesting the name's usage during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lori. One example is Lori Petri (1914-1997), an Italian film actress who appeared in numerous movies during the 1930s and 1940s. Another is Lori Nix (born 1969), an American photographer known for her intricate dioramas depicting post-apocalyptic scenes.

In the realm of literature, Lori Lansens (born 1962) is a Canadian novelist and screenwriter best known for her novel "Rush Home Road." Another literary figure is Lori Roy (born 1975), an American author of mystery and suspense novels, including "Bent Road" and "Let Me Die in His Footsteps."

Moving to the world of sports, Lori Harrigan-Mack (born 1968) is a former American softball player who won two Olympic gold medals with the United States national team in 1996 and 2000.

While the name Lori has its roots in Italian and Latin origins, it has gained widespread usage across various cultures and communities around the world. Its association with the laurel plant and its symbolic meanings of victory and academic achievement have contributed to its enduring popularity as a feminine given name.