Law

Origin & Etymology

Law as a given name derives from two possible sources: the Old Norse hlaw meaning hill or burial mound (common in English place names ending in -law), and as a diminutive of Lawrence, which comes from the Latin Laurentius meaning from Laurentum, a city associated with laurel trees. As a standalone name, Law is ultra-minimal and modern, fitting the trend of single-syllable word names.

Popularity Story

Law has gained quiet attention as part of the minimalist naming movement of the 2010s-2020s, where parents favor short, strong word-names. Actor Jude Law brought significant visibility to the name as a surname, increasing its appeal as a first name.

Cultural Significance

In Scottish place names, -law suffixes denote hills, and Law remains a surname in Scottish and English tradition. As a given name, it embodies the modern preference for strong, unadorned one-syllable names.

Fun Facts

• The suffix -law appears in dozens of Scottish and northern English place names meaning hill
• Jude Law is among the most famous bearers of this as a surname

Law in Other Languages