Lawrence is an English given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum," an ancient city in Italy. The name was borne by numerous early Christian saints and martyrs, including Saint Lawrence of Rome, who inspired its widespread use during the Middle Ages.
In medieval England, Lawrence was a popular name among the nobility, with several kings of England having servants or courtiers named Lawrence. Throughout history, many notable individuals have carried this name, including famous authors like D.H. Lawrence and T.E. Lawrence (better known as "Lawrence of Arabia").
The name Lawrence has been used in various forms throughout history and across cultures. Its variants include Lorenzo in Italian, Laurenzo in Spanish, Laurence in French, and Laurențiu in Romanian. Some popular diminutives and derivatives of the name include Larry, Laurie, Lorne, and Lorenz.
Today, Lawrence remains a popular given name for boys in English-speaking countries. It has consistently been among the top 1000 most popular baby boy names in the United States since record-keeping began in the late 19th century. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its classic yet approachable sound, as well as its rich historical and cultural significance.
In terms of popularity, Lawrence peaked as a top 500 name for boys in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since experienced fluctuations in usage. In recent years, it has regained some popularity, ranking among the top 700 most popular boy names in the U.S. and the U.K.
The name Lawrence is often associated with strength, leadership, and resilience, perhaps due to its historical connection to figures like Saint Lawrence of Rome and T.E. Lawrence. It also has a certain timelessness and sophistication that makes it appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their child.
In summary, the given name Lawrence has a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times and has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries. With its strong associations with notable figures, timeless appeal, and numerous variants and derivatives, Lawrence remains an attractive choice for parents naming their sons today.
The name Lawrence experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with peaks in the early 1900s and again in the late 1920s to mid-1930s, before a steady decline from the 1980s onwards. Its peak popularity occurred in 1917 and 1918, with 33 and 26 births respectively. However, since the 1990s, its usage has been quite low, with fewer than 15 births per year on average. In recent years (2020-2023), there have been signs of a slight resurgence, with 10, 9, and 12 births recorded respectively. Overall, from 1890 to 2023, the name Lawrence was given to 2164 newborns.