"from Laurentum; laurel-crowned"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin/English
Laurence
Pronunciation: [ l-AWR-uhns ]
Does Laurence flow with your last name?
A laurel-crowned name worn by saints and scholars
French
English
Irish
American
Belgian
Classic
Elegant
Traditional
Literary
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Laurence
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Meaning & Origin
"victory; honor"
Origin: Latin (symbolic)
Language: English
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The Story of Laurence
Laurence derives from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum,' an ancient city in Latium, Italy, whose name likely comes from 'laurus' (laurel). In Roman culture, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and honor — awarded to military commanders and emperors. The name gained Christian fame through Saint Lawrence of Rome, martyred in 258 AD.
Laurence was the standard English spelling until the 20th century when 'Lawrence' became more common in America. The French form 'Laurence' remains fashionable in France and Francophone countries. In the UK, both spellings declined through the late 20th century but retain a classic, educated feel.
Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo) is one of the most venerated martyrs in early Christianity — famously grilled alive and said to have told his torturers: 'Turn me over, I'm done on this side.' August 10th is his feast day. The city of San Lorenzo in numerous countries honors his memory.
Historical Record
Laurence first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 17,056 babies have been named Laurence in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Laurence is past its peak , currently ranked #2,194 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Lawrence's feast day (August 10) coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, which is sometimes called 'The Tears of Saint Lawrence'
- Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence) popularized the name in the early 20th century
- Laurence Olivier is considered one of the greatest stage and screen actors of the 20th century
Laurence in Other Languages
French
Laurent
German
Lorenz
Italian
Lorenzo
Spanish
Lorenzo
Portuguese
Lourenço
Popularity Over Time
#2,194
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Laurence
L
Laurence Fishburne
Actor
1961
American actor known for The Matrix, Apocalypse Now, and Boardwalk Empire
L
Laurence Olivier
Actor
1907
Legendary British actor and director, considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers; won Oscar for Hamlet (194...
Legendary British actor and director, considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers; won Oscar for Hamlet (1948)
S
Saint Lawrence of Rome
Religious
Early Christian martyr and deacon, grilled alive on a gridiron in 258 AD; patron saint of cooks, librarians, and Rome
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Compare Laurence with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,194
- Total SSA Count
- 66
- Cultural Origins
- French English Irish American Belgian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Larry
Laurie
Lance
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Laurence
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Laurence is also used as a girl name, ranked #71050.
View Laurence as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laurence
What does the name Laurence mean?
"from Laurentum; laurel-crowned" (from Latin). "victory; honor" (from Latin (symbolic)). Laurence derives from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum,' an ancient city in Latium, Italy, whose name likely comes from 'laurus' (laurel). In Roman culture, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and honor — awarded to military commanders and emperors. The name gained Christian fame through Saint Lawrence of Rome, martyred in 258 AD.
What is the origin of the name Laurence?
Laurence has Latin, Latin (symbolic), French, English, Irish, American, and Belgian origins. In Latin, it means "from Laurentum; laurel-crowned". In Latin (symbolic), it means "victory; honor".
Is Laurence a boy or girl name?
Laurence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2194. As a girl name, it is ranked #71050. Laurence is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Laurence?
Laurence is pronounced l-AWR-uhns.
How popular is the name Laurence?
Laurence is currently ranked #2194 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Laurence?
Common nicknames for Laurence include Larry, Laurie, and Lance.
What are good middle names for Laurence?
Popular middle name pairings include Laurence James, Laurence Michael, Laurence Thomas, Laurence Edward, Laurence Henry, Laurence Francis, and Laurence Paul.
What are good sibling names for Laurence?
Names that pair well with Laurence as siblings include Margaret, Catherine, Eleanor, Edmund, Philip, Cecilia, and Gerard.
How many syllables does Laurence have?
Laurence has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Laurence a common or rare name?
Laurence is an uncommon name, ranked #2194 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Laurence?
Are there other spellings for Laurence?
Related spellings include Lauro.
About the Name Laurence
Laurence is a boy name with French, English, Irish, American, and Belgian origins . The name means "from Laurentum; laurel-crowned" in Latin .
Is Laurence a boy or girl name? Laurence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,194 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,050. Laurence is more commonly used as a boy name.
Laurence is currently ranked #2,194 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Laurence has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AWR-uhns, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Laurence include Larry, Laurie, and Lance. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Laurence include Lauro . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis