Lawrence

Pronunciation: [ l-AWR-uhns ]

Boy Name #510 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Laurel-crowned, timelessly distinguished

Latin English French American

Classic Vintage Sophisticated Elegant Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"from Laurentum, laurel-crowned"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

Things to Know About This Name

Larry as the primary nickname feels decidedly dated and 'dad-joke' territory for many
Lawrence is common enough as a place name (Lawrence, Kansas; Lawrence, MA) to feel generic in some regions

The Story of Lawrence

Lawrence comes from the Latin Laurentius, meaning 'man from Laurentum' — an ancient Italian city whose name derives from 'laurus' (laurel). The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. Saint Lawrence (martyred 258 AD), who reportedly joked while being roasted alive, became one of the most popular saints of the medieval period, spreading the name across Europe.

Lawrence peaked in mid-20th century America and is now returning to favor as parents seek distinguished, serious names from their grandparents' generation that feel fresh again.

Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of cooks, archivists, and librarians; Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence) gave the name adventurous, romantic connotations.

Fun Facts

Saint Lawrence is said to have told his torturers 'Turn me over — I'm done on this side,' making him patron saint of comedians as well as cooks.
T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) helped shape the modern Middle East during World War I.
The laurel wreath used to crown Lawrence's root city is the origin of the title 'Poet Laureate.'

Lawrence in Other Languages

French Laurent

German Lorenz

Italian Lorenzo

Spanish Lorenzo

Famous People Named Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence

Actor

1990

American actress and Academy Award winner for Silver Linings Playbook

T.E. Lawrence

Military

1888

British officer and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia, key figure in the Arab Revolt

Saint Lawrence

Religious

225

Early Christian martyr and patron saint of cooks, martyred in Rome in 258 AD

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #510
Total SSA Count: 596
Cultural Origins: Latin English French American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Larry Laurie Ren Lance

Pairs Well With

Lawrence James Lawrence Edward Lawrence Henry Lawrence William Lawrence Thomas Lawrence Robert Lawrence Arthur

Sibling Names

Edmund Gerald Theodore Margaret Eleanor Vivienne Beatrice

Also a Girl Name

Lawrence is also used as a girl name, ranked #10264.

View Lawrence as a girl name →

Similar Names

Clarence Alonzo Lorenzo Laurence Loren Leonardo Salvatore Luciano

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence

What does the name Lawrence mean?

"from Laurentum, laurel-crowned" (from Latin). Lawrence comes from the Latin Laurentius, meaning 'man from Laurentum' — an ancient Italian city whose name derives from 'laurus' (laurel). The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. Saint Lawrence (martyred 258 AD), who reportedly joked while being roasted alive, became one of the most popular saints of the medieval period, spreading the name across Europe.

What is the origin of the name Lawrence?

Lawrence has Latin, English, French, and American origins. In Latin, it means "from Laurentum, laurel-crowned".

Is Lawrence a boy or girl name?

Lawrence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #510. As a girl name, it is ranked #10264. Lawrence is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Lawrence?

Lawrence is pronounced l-AWR-uhns.

How popular is the name Lawrence?

Lawrence is currently ranked #510 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Lawrence?

Common nicknames for Lawrence include Larry, Laurie, Ren, and Lance.

What are good middle names for Lawrence?

Popular middle name pairings include Lawrence James, Lawrence Edward, Lawrence Henry, Lawrence William, Lawrence Thomas, Lawrence Robert, and Lawrence Arthur.

What are good sibling names for Lawrence?

Names that pair well with Lawrence as siblings include Edmund, Gerald, Theodore, Margaret, Eleanor, Vivienne, and Beatrice.

How many syllables does Lawrence have?

Lawrence has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Lawrence a common or rare name?

Lawrence is moderately common, ranked #510 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Lawrence

Lawrence is a boy name with Latin, English, French, and American origins . The name means "from Laurentum, laurel-crowned" in Latin .

Is Lawrence a boy or girl name? Lawrence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #510 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #10,264. Lawrence is more commonly used as a boy name.

Lawrence is currently ranked #510 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Lawrence has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AWR-uhns, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Lawrence include Larry, Laurie, Ren, and Lance. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.