Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lawrence

Lawrence is an anglicized version of the masculine name Laurence which the English adopted 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). Larry is the English short form of Lawrence.

All About the Baby Name – Lawrence

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME LAWRENCE

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME LAWRENCE

Lawrence is a name with a popular history in the United States, until now that is. At the turn of the 20th century and into the early 1900s, Lawrence was at the top of his game. In fact, Lawrence was a Top 40 choice for little boys for over 50 straight years. Needless to say, Lawrence has been a staple name for little boys in modern American history. The name was romanticized by the revolutionary T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) who was a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army acting as a liaison during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turkish Rule (1916-1918). His extraordinary activities were sensationalized by an American journalist as well as by Lawrence’s own writings (including his 1926 account “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” which is still recommended to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan today). Certainly the famed Shakespearean actor and Hollywood film star Laurence Olivier added further capital to the name Lawrence. Lawrence maintained his popularity all the way up through the 1970s. Since that time, the name has dropped in usage significantly and is fast becoming an unfashionable name. We definitely see this as a distinguished name, but more akin to Walter and Arthur on the charts (i.e., slightly dated). We also like the French spelling of Laurence better. It feels less surnamey.

Quick Facts

ON LAWRENCE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

471

PRONUNCIATION:

LAWR-ənts

SIMPLE MEANING:

Man from Laurentum

Characteristics

OF LAWRENCE

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lawrence

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LAWRENCE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Lawrence

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LAWRENCE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lawrence


Popular Songs

ON LAWRENCE

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


Famous People

NAMED LAWRENCE

Lawrence Welk (band leader)
Lawrence Taylor (football player)
Lawrence Harvey "Larry" King (TV personality)
Lawrence Oates (explorer)
Saint Lawrence of Rome (Christian saint)
Lawrence Joel (war hero)
Lawrence Gray (actor)
Laurence Olivier (actor)
Laurence Fishburne (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LAWRENCE

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LAWRENCE

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