"from Laurentum, laurel-crowned"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Lawrence
Pronunciation: [ l-AWR-uhns ]
Does Lawrence flow with your last name?
Laurel-crowned, timelessly distinguished
Latin
English
French
American
Classic
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Sophisticated
Elegant
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
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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.
Historical Record
Lawrence first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 218,057 babies have been named Lawrence in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lawrence is past its peak , currently ranked #510 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#510
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lawrence
J
Jennifer Lawrence
Actor
1990
American actress and Academy Award winner for Silver Linings Playbook
T
T.E. Lawrence
Military
1888
British officer and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia, key figure in the Arab Revolt
S
Saint Lawrence
Religious
225
Early Christian martyr and patron saint of cooks, martyred in Rome in 258 AD
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Compare Lawrence with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lawrence
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Lawrence is also used as a girl name, ranked #10264.
View Lawrence as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Latin)
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"son of Egan, little fire"
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Anglo-Saxon origin
"prosperous spearman"
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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.
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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