Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Lawrence has its roots in Latin, originating from 'Laurentius', meaning 'from Laurentum', a town known for laurel trees. Over time, it evolved through various languages and forms, maintaining its association with victory and honor. Although it has biblical ties through Saint Lawrence, it is not directly mentioned in the Bible. The name saw a rise in popularity during the Middle Ages and continues to be perceived as traditional and sophisticated today. Notable figures sharing this name include T.E. Lawrence, Lawrence Welk, and Lawrence Fishburne.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːrəns/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lawrence is derived from the Latin name 'Laurentius', which means 'from Laurentum'. Laurentum was a town in ancient Italy known for its laurel trees, and laurel was a symbol of victory and honor.
Meaning
laurel-crowned
Language Evolution
Laurentius (Latin), Laurence (Old French), Lawrence (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, especially due to the veneration of Saint Lawrence, a Christian martyr who was one of the seven deacons of Rome.
Variants & Derivatives
Laurence, Larry, Laurie
Modern Popularity & Image
Lawrence remains a classic and dignified name, often associated with sophistication and a strong sense of tradition.
Famous People
Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence), Lawrence Welk, Lawrence Fishburne
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 35 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in Michigan
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (18 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 18 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2318th of 7545 | 199 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1692nd of 6773 | 326 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1726th of 7552 | 392 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3869th of 10718 | 114 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11936th of 16616 | 19 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
- | - |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
56.76% 1264th/2227 |
- |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Michigan across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2318th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1692nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1726th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3869th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11936th out of 16616 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.