Lawrence

What does the baby name Lawrence mean? Learn about what Lawrence means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Lawrence - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Lawrence
L-A-W-R-E-N-C-E, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Lawrence
LAWR-ənts
LOR ents
Meaning of Lawrence
Crowned with laurels, laurel, city of laurels, laurel-crowned, crowned with a laurel.
Origin of Lawrence
The name 'Lawrence' has its roots in ancient Rome. It is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means 'from Laurentum', a city in ancient Italy. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was a common given name among both men and women. 'Lawrence' was often bestowed upon individuals who hailed from the city of Laurentum or had some connection to it.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Lawrence
Enz
Labhras
Labhruinn
Lanny
Larrance
Larry
Lars
Lauren
Laurens
Laurent
Laurentios
Laurits
Lauritz
Lavrenti
Lavrik
Lawrey
Lawrie
Lencho
Lenci
Lon
Lonny
Lorant
Lorcan
Loren
Lorenc
Lorenz
Lorenzo
Loritz
Renzo
Popularity of Lawrence
Over time, the popularity of the name 'Lawrence' has seen its fair share of fluctuations. In the early centuries, it gained prominence due to its association with Saint 'Lawrence', a Christian martyr who was famously roasted alive on a gridiron. This gruesome act of martyrdom elevated 'Lawrence's status, and his name became widely used throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

In more recent history, 'Lawrence' experienced a notable spike in popularity during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This can be attributed to the influence of esteemed figures such as 'Lawrence' of Arabia, the British archaeologist and military officer who played a significant role in the Arab Revolt during World War I. His daring exploits and charismatic personality captured the public's imagination, leading to a surge in the use of the name 'Lawrence'.
Lawrence currently has 204 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked boy's names. The name Russell is slightly more popular than Lawrence.

Etymology of Lawrence

To understand the etymology of 'Lawrence', we must explore the linguistic roots of the name. As mentioned earlier, the Latin name Laurentius serves as the foundation. Laurentius is derived from the Latin word 'laurus', meaning 'laurel'. The laurel tree was highly regarded in ancient Rome and symbolized victory and honor. Thus, the name 'Lawrence' carries with it a sense of triumph and distinction.

Cultural Significance of Lawrence

The name 'Lawrence' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Christianity, Saint 'Lawrence' is venerated as a martyr and is considered the patron saint of cooks, comedians, and the poor. His name is often associated with selflessness, sacrifice, and devotion to others.

In African-American culture, 'Lawrence' has been a popular name, particularly among individuals of African descent. It has been embraced as a symbol of strength, resilience, and cultural identity. 'Lawrence' has been used by prominent figures in the African-American community, including civil rights activist 'Lawrence' D. Reddick and author 'Lawrence' Hill.