Laurence

What does Laurence mean?

Laurence ultimately comes from the Latin name Laurentius, which connected a person to the place Laurentum and to the laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and honour. The laurel association gives the name a quietly noble quality, evoking achievement rather than showiness.

The feel of Laurence is poised and slightly old-fashioned in a good way. It reads as assured and cultured, the kind of name that suggests steady reliability and a literary bent. It sits comfortably alongside Lawrence and Laurent, sharing a sense of classic dignity and understated strength.

Historical Context

The name began in Roman times as Laurentius, literally meaning someone from Laurentum, a town near Rome, and by extension someone associated with the laurel. In the Christian era the name spread with the veneration of Saint Lawrence, a third century deacon and martyr, which helped the name persist through the Middle Ages in various forms across Europe.

As languages developed, the Latin root produced a range of forms: French Laurent, English Lawrence, Italian Lorenzo and German Lorenz. The English spelling Laurence has been used for centuries and carries a slightly literary and refined air. Its use has waxed and waned, but it remains recognisable and respected rather than trendy, often chosen by parents who want a classic name with gentle distinction.

Popularity of Laurence over time

In 2025, Laurence was given to 101 boys in the UK. Laurence has risen in usage over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon boys' name in the UK.

What do parents think of Laurence?