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Lawrence

♂ Boy

Pronounced LOR-ents /ˈlɒrəns/High

Meaning: From the Latin Laurentius, meaning 'man from Laurentum,' an ancient city near Rome; the city name is possibly related to laurus (laurel tree), giving the name the symbolic meaning of 'laurel-crowned' or 'victorious'High

In 30 seconds: Lawrence is a distinguished Latin classic meaning 'laurel-crowned,' borne by a beloved early Christian martyr and countless historical greats. Dignified and timeless with easy nicknames.
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Origin HighLatin, English
MeaningFrom the Latin Laurentius, meaning 'man from Laurentum,' an ancient city near Rome; the city name is possibly related to laurus (laurel tree), giving the name the symbolic meaning of 'laurel-crowned' or 'victorious'
U.S. rank (2025)#520 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births578 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1952
Total births (all-time)≈ 461,163

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lawrence derives from the Latin Laurentius, a Roman family name meaning 'man from Laurentum.' Laurentum was an ancient Latin city, and its name may connect to laurus (laurel), the tree of victory and honor in classical antiquity. Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo), deacon and martyr of Rome, enshrined the name in Christian tradition.

Lawrence has been in continuous use in English-speaking countries since the medieval period. It reached a peak in the mid-20th century in the United States before gradually declining. It remains a dignified classic with strong literary associations, including author D.H. Lawrence and actor Lawrence Fishburne. The nickname Larry or Laurie gives it casual approachability.

Did you know? Saint Lawrence, martyred in Rome in 258 AD, is famous for his composure: according to legend, as he was being burned alive on a gridiron he reportedly said 'Turn me over, I'm done on this side' — making him the patron saint of cooks and comedians.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Lawrence — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LaurenceLorenzoLars

Nicknames

LarryLaurieRen

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Lawrence (225–258)
    Roman deacon and martyr, patron saint of cooks; executed during the persecution ordered by Emperor Valerian.
  • ★D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930)
    English novelist and poet, author of Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover.

If you like Lawrence…

Laurence— the British spelling of the same Latin name
Leonard— two-syllable classic Latin-origin boys' name in the same dignified register
Ernest— vintage classic with the same earnest, distinguished 20th-century feel
Gilbert— medieval Latin-origin classic boys' name with the same timeless character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lawrence mean?

Lawrence comes from Latin Laurentius meaning 'man from Laurentum,' a city name possibly linked to laurus (laurel) — symbolizing victory and honor.

How do you pronounce Lawrence?

It is said LOR-ents — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lawrence a boy or girl name?

Lawrence is used almost exclusively as a boys' name; Laurence can be either.

How popular is Lawrence?

Lawrence peaked mid-20th century in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 400–600 boys' names as a classic in quiet steady use.