Lawrence is an ancient surname and given name of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Latin Laurentius. This name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. In its various forms across languages and cultures, Lawrence has been popular throughout history. Notable figures with this name include Saint Lawrence, an early Christian martyr whose feast day is celebrated on August 10th, and Lawrence of Arabia, the famous British Army officer and diplomat during World War I. The name has also been used in literature, such as in D.H. Lawrence's works, further popularizing it over time. Today, Lawrence remains a recognized and commonly used name worldwide.
The name Lawrence experienced a notable dip in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with only one year (1968) seeing an increase in newborns named Lawrence compared to the previous years.