Lawrence is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum." Laurentum was an ancient Roman town located in Italy. The name Lawrence has been associated with many notable figures throughout history, including Saint Lawrence, who was one of the seven deacons in Rome and is considered a martyr by the Catholic Church.
The name Lawrence became popular in England during the Middle Ages due to the influence of the Crusades. Many people returned from the Holy Land with stories of Saint Lawrence and his miraculous deeds, which helped to spread his fame throughout Europe. As a result, many children were named after him in honor of his martyrdom and faith.
Over time, the name Lawrence has been adapted into various forms in different languages. Some popular variations include Laurence, Lauren, Lorenzo, and Laurent. Despite these variations, all versions of the name share the same meaning and origin.
Today, Lawrence remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and timeless name for their son. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and determination, thanks in large part to Saint Lawrence's example. While it may not be as trendy as some other names on the rise today, Lawrence still has a certain appeal that makes it a favorite among many families.
"Over the span of nearly a century and a half (1881-2015), the name Lawrence experienced considerable fluctuations in popularity, with a total of 4818 babies given this name. The first notable peak occurred around World War I, with 70 births in 1916 followed by another 60 in 1917 and 87 in 1918. However, the name's popularity significantly dropped after the war, reaching a low of just 6 births in 1993. There was another resurgence in the late 40s to mid-50s, with over 100 births annually between 1949 and 1955. In recent decades (1980 onwards), Lawrence has been relatively uncommon, typically registering fewer than 20 births per year."