Lawrence
/ˈlɔːrəns/noun
A masculine given name and surname from the Latin name Laurentius.
Did you know?Lawrence comes from Latin Laurentius, originally meaning a man from Laurentum or someone associated with laurel, the sacred victory plant used for crowns and ritual honor in the ancient world.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Laurentius
“A Roman family name meaning “from Laurentum” or “of laurel””
Ancient Rome
Latin
laurus
“Laurel tree; bay tree, symbol of victory and honor”
Early Christian Era
Latin
Sanctus Laurentius
“Saint Lawrence, the martyr whose name spread widely through Christian Europe”
Old French
French
Lorens / Laurence
“French forms of the personal name”
Middle English
English
Laurence / Lawrence
“Given name and later surname in English use”
Modern English
English
Lawrence
“A common masculine given name and surname”