Laurence
Laurence: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɒ.ɹəns/ · /ˈlɔɹəns/
Meaning and origin of Laurence
Root meaning: “laurel”
- A male given name from Latin, feminine equivalent Lauren.
Etymology
From the name of a third century Roman martyr, Latin Laurentius, "a person from Laurentum", the place name possibly derived from laurus (“laurel”).
How popular is Laurence?
Since 1880, 495 girls and 39,720 boys in the U.S. have been named Laurence (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1153 in 1891. Its highest rank for boys was #201 in 1898. In 2025, 98 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Laurence
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Laurence
Sister and brother names that share Laurence's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Laurence FAQ
What does the name Laurence mean?
Laurence traces back to a root meaning "laurel". A male given name from Latin, feminine equivalent Lauren. From the name of a third century Roman martyr, Latin Laurentius, "a person from Laurentum", the place name possibly derived from laurus (“laurel”).
What is the origin of the name Laurence?
Laurence is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Laurence?
Since 1880, 495 girls and 39,720 boys in the U.S. have been named Laurence (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1153 in 1891. Its highest rank for boys was #201 in 1898. In 2025, 98 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Laurence a boy or girl name?
Laurence is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 495 girls and 39,720 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.