Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Laurence

The English adopted Laurence from the French, originally derived from the Latin Laurentius essentially meaning "someone from Laurentum.” Laurentum was an ancient Roman city in the Latium region southwest of Rome, and some Roman historians considered it as the first capital of the Latins. As such, Laurentius was a common Roman given name during the classical era, and the name has persisted for millennia through the Middle Ages and into modern times in many forms (Laurence, Lawrence, Lars, Lorenz, Lorenzo, etc). The name of the ancient city of Laurentum may have been derived from the Latin word “laurus” which means "laurel" (a symbol of wisdom and accomplishment). Incidentally, Laurence is actually a female name in France while the English use both spelllings of Laurence or Lawrence for boys. Larry is the English short form of Laurence.

All About the Baby Name – Laurence

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME LAURENCE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME LAURENCE

Lawrence has been the preferred spelling of this name in America, but Laurence has had a long history of usage as well. Earlier in the 20th century Laurence maintained pretty consistent moderate usage until the 1960s. At this point it became clear the name was going out of style. In fact, Laurence fell off the American boy's naming charts completely in 1995 and has yet to return. Lawrence is still hanging in there, but Laurence isn't making the cut. We actually prefer the Laurence spelling over Lawrence. It just looks more old-fashioned in a dignified sort of way.

Quick Facts

ON LAURENCE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

LAWR-ənts

SIMPLE MEANING:

Man from Laurentum

Characteristics

OF LAURENCE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Laurence

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LAURENCE

Theodore “Laurie” Laurence is the neighbor of the March family in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, published in 1868/69. He is quite a catch, being charming, handsome and rich, but for some mysterious reason, Jo turns down his proposal of marriage, preferring his platonic friendship. Of course, as we all know, Jo’s future harbors the affable German professor, but not to worry – Mr. Laurence does not go to waste. Naturally, he passes his attentions on to the youngest (and vainest) sister, Amy. She’s no fool – she accepts him, and they marry and live happily ever-for-a- little-while-anyway.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LAURENCE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Laurence


Popular Songs

ON LAURENCE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Laurence


Famous People

NAMED LAURENCE

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Laurence.

Children of Famous People

NAMED LAURENCE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Laurence

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LAURENCE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Laurence