Boy · 224th of 7,545
Laurence
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
40,117
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1952
Peak Popularity Year
856
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Laurence stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Laurence has Latin roots, originating from 'Laurentius', meaning 'from Laurentum'. It has evolved through various languages, retaining its association with the laurel tree. The name is linked to concepts of victory and honor, and while it has biblical connections through Saint Lawrence, it is not directly biblical in origin. Laurence gained popularity in the Middle Ages and continues to be regarded as a classic name today, often linked with notable figures in the arts and entertainment.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːrəns/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Laurence derives from the Latin name 'Laurentius', which means 'from Laurentum', a city in ancient Italy. The name is associated with the laurel tree, symbolizing victory and honor.
Meaning
laurel
Language Evolution
Laurentius (Latin), Laurence (Old French), Laurence (Middle English), Laurence (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Laurence gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, due to the veneration of saints, notably Saint Lawrence, a Christian martyr.
Variants & Derivatives
Lawrence, Larry, Laurie, Lorenzo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Laurence is perceived as a classic and sophisticated name, often associated with artistic and intellectual individuals.
Famous People
Saint Lawrence, Laurence Olivier, Laurence Fishburne, Laurence Sterne
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 856 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Maine
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 18 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 224th of 7545 | 9,002 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 237th of 6773 | 9,581 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 289th of 7552 | 12,476 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 527th of 10718 | 3,784 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 877th of 16616 | 2,041 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1892nd of 24088 | 1,075 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2265th of 23106 | 736 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2667th of 9107 | 199 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5172nd of 9204 | 49 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6510th of 12526 | 61 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9990th of 19264 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 14820th of 27321 | 41 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 24522nd of 35406 | 22 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 19402nd of 30306 | 28 |