Lawrence
Lawrence Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈlɔɹ.əns/
Meaning of Lawrence: The name Lawrence derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning "man from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel." Laurentum was an ancient city in Latium, central Italy, whose name is connected to the Latin laurus, the laurel tree. In Roman tradition, laurel wreaths were given to victors, generals, and emperors, making the association symbolic of honor and achievement.
The name gained enormous popularity in the medieval Christian world through Saint Lawrence of Rome, a 3rd-century deacon martyred in 258 AD. According to tradition, he was burned on a gridiron and, in a display of remarkable composure, reportedly told his executioners to turn him over because he was "done on this side." He became one of the most venerated saints in the early church, with hundreds of churches and the city of San Lorenzo named after him.
Lawrence was among the most common English masculine names from the Norman Conquest through the 19th century. It was transported to North America by English and Irish settlers and became firmly established in the colonial period. Cities named Lawrence exist in Massachusetts, Kansas, and Indiana, reflecting the name's presence in 19th-century American geography.
What Does Lawrence Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Lawrence ranked #509 for boys as of 2024, with 596 births recorded. The name peaked in 2024, following a long decline from its mid-20th-century peak and a recent recovery driven by the broader vintage name revival.
Variants include Laurence (the French and British alternative spelling), Lorenzo (Italian and Spanish), Laurent (French), Lars (Scandinavian), and the contracted nicknames Larry, Laurie, and Lance. Lawrence remains the standard American English form, carrying more formal weight than Larry, which peaked in the 1940s-50s.
How Popular Is Lawrence?
Numerology & Symbolism of Lawrence
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Lawrence – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lawrence
What does the name Lawrence mean?
The name Lawrence derives from Old English roots, reflecting the Anglo-Saxon naming tradition that predates the Norman Conquest. Names of this origin typically referenced personal qualities, natural features, or family lineage meaningful to early English-speaking communities.
How popular is the name Lawrence in the United States?
According to SSA records, Lawrence ranked #509 for boy names in the United States, with 596 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Lawrence come from?
The name Lawrence comes from English. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of English-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.