Laurentian
/lɔːˈrɛnʃən/noun
Relating to the Saint Lawrence region, the Laurentian Mountains, or a Precambrian geological system of North America.
Did you know?Laurentian geology was named from the Saint Lawrence region, whose name ultimately comes from Latin Laurentius, associated with the laurel—the ancient symbol of victory and poetic inspiration.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
Laurentius
“A Roman personal name meaning “from Laurentum,” an ancient city in Latium; it was also associated by ancient speakers with laurus, “laurel.””
3rd Century CE
Latin
Laurentius
“The name of Saint Lawrence, a Roman deacon and martyr; his name later spread widely through Christian Europe.”
Old French
Old French
Lorenz / Laurent
“Forms of the personal name derived from Latin Laurentius.”
Middle English
English
Laurence
“The English form of the saint’s name, later linked in usage with the Saint Lawrence River.”
16th Century
French
Saint-Laurent
““Saint Lawrence,” used in geographic names connected with the river and surrounding region.”
19th Century
English
Laurentian
“Formed from Laurentian geographic naming; used for the Laurentian Mountains, the Saint Lawrence region, and its ancient geological rocks.”