Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Lawrence has its roots in Latin, specifically from 'Laurentius', meaning 'from Laurentum' and associated with laurel trees. It evolved through various forms including Laurence in Old French before becoming Lawrence in English. The name signifies honor and victory. It has biblical relevance through Saint Lawrence, a martyr, and gained popularity in the Middle Ages. Today, it carries a traditional and sophisticated image and has notable figures such as Lawrence of Arabia and D.H. Lawrence.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːrəns/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lawrence is derived from the Latin name 'Laurentius', which means 'from Laurentum', a city in ancient Italy. The name is also associated with the laurel tree, symbolizing victory and honor.
Meaning
laurelled, from Laurentum
Language Evolution
Laurentius (Latin), Laurence (Old French), Lawrence (English)
Historical Usage
The name Lawrence gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly after the veneration of Saint Lawrence, a Christian martyr, in the 3rd century.
Variants & Derivatives
Laurence, Larry, Lorenzo, Laurent
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Lawrence is perceived as traditional and classic, often associated with intellect and sophistication. It remains a respected name in various cultures.
Famous People
Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence), Lawrence Welk (musician and bandleader), D.H. Lawrence (novelist and poet), Lawrence Fishburne (actor)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,336 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
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 (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 | 37th of 7545 | 88,506 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 37th of 6773 | 107,727 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 43rd of 7552 | 158,482 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 93rd of 10718 | 50,924 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 173rd of 16616 | 27,682 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 373rd of 24088 | 12,333 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 520th of 23106 | 6,756 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1548th of 9107 | 474 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1472nd of 9204 | 509 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2160th of 12526 | 499 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2906th of 19264 | 396 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6175th of 27321 | 205 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32148th of 35406 | 8 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13987th of 30306 | 64 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
2.05% 29th/1416 |
2.97% 41st/1379 |
1.78% 42nd/2366 |
3.06% 35th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
1.94% 30th/1546 |
1.86% 29th/1556 |
2.29% 54th/2353 |
2.46% 38th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.98% 44th/2227 |
1.48% 36th/2430 |
2.28% 65th/2853 |
1.84% 51st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.40% 100th/2937 |
1.72% 60th/3483 |
3.35% 118th/3518 |
2.65% 107th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.48% 165th/3685 |
2.75% 123rd/4475 |
3.43% 178th/5194 |
3.31% 209th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.88% 361st/4582 |
5.98% 309th/5164 |
5.36% 392nd/7313 |
5.45% 407th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.80% 470th/3984 |
10.56% 474th/4487 |
8.40% 573rd/6822 |
7.87% 494th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
81.85% 1159th/1416 |
77.81% 1073rd/1379 |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
77.16% 1875th/2430 |
84.16% 2401st/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
83.15% 2896th/3483 |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| 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 District of Columbia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 37th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 37th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 43rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 93rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 173rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 373rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 520th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1548th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1472nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2160th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2906th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6175th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 32148th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13987th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.