Laurentius
/lɔːˈrɛn.ʃi.əs/noun
A Latin personal name meaning “from Laurentum,” later used as a given name and saint’s name.
Did you know?Laurentius became powerful in Christian Europe because Saint Laurence’s name was Latinized from this older Roman place-name, and his cult helped spread the name across the medieval world.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Laurentius
“A man from Laurentum, an ancient town near Rome.”
Ancient Rome
Latin
Laurentum
“The place-name Laurentum, likely connected to the laurel tree or a local name of uncertain origin.”
Classical Latin
Latin
laurus
“The laurel tree; its leaves were used for victory wreaths and ritual honor.”
Late Latin / Early Christian Era
Latin
Sanctus Laurentius
“Saint Laurence, the deacon and martyr whose name was Latinized in Christian tradition.”
Old French
Old French
Laurent
“A male personal name inherited from Latin and popularized through the saint.”
Modern English
English
Laurence / Lawrence
“A given name and surname derived from the Latin name via French and English forms.”