Surname Laurence - Meaning and Origin

Laurence: What does the surname Laurence mean?

The last name Laurence is of Latin origin, derived from the given name Laurentius, which means "someone from Laurentum", an ancient Roman city. It can also mean "man from Laurentius" or "son of Laurentius." The name Laurentius later morphed into Lawrence and Laurence in English-speaking regions. It is also associated with the Latin term "laureate" which indicates being crowned with laurel leaves— a symbol of accomplishment or honor in ancient Greece and Rome. This connection imbues the name Laurence with connotations of achievement, wisdom, and victory. However, the exact meaning can depend on the cultural, regional, and historical context of the family bearing this name. Apart from English-speaking countries, variations of this surname can be found in many European countries including France, Italy, and the Netherlands, among others.

Laurence: Where does the name Laurence come from?

The last name Laurence is of French origin. It is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which translates to “man from Laurentum”, an ancient Roman city. The popularity of the name Laurenťs increased during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Laurence of Rome, a Christian martyr. The surname could also be of English origin from the first name Lawrence.

Variants of the surname include Lawrence, Laurens, and Laurent among others. The name spread throughout Europe, particularly in England, France, and Ireland due to Norman influence.

Today, the surname Laurence is more common in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is also found in many European countries including France, Belgium and the Netherlands. According to recent census data, the Laurence surname is most prevalent in the United States followed by England.

Variations of the surname Laurence

The surname Laurence, originally derived from Latin "Laurentius" which means 'man from Laurentum', a town in Italy, has various variants and spellings across different cultures and languages. These variations can include Lawrence, Laurent, Laurents, Laurentius, Laurenson, Laurance, and Lorenz.

In addition, the last name can also be written as Laurance or Lawrance in English-speaking regions while, in French-speaking regions, it may turn into Laurent or Laurenti. In Italian, it can be seen as Lorenzo or Lorenzi; in Spanish as Lorenzo or Laureano; and in German as Lorenz or Lorenzen.

The surname has also been transformed into patronymic surnames like Laurenson, meaning 'son of Laurence', in Scandinavian regions. Lawrence is the most common variant used in English-speaking countries.

Various alternate surname forms can also be found in the female versions like Laurence or Lauren. The diminutives Laurens and Lars have also been used in some regions. These numerous variants and spellings don't change the roots of the surname and they all share the same origin, showing a historical connection to the original Latin name, Laurentius.

Famous people with the name Laurence

• Jennifer Lawrence: Academy Award winning actress, best known for her leading roles in films such as The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook, and Joy.
• Lawrence Summers: American economist, former Secretary of the Treasury, and former president of Harvard University.
• Maxine Laurence: British actress, best known for her role as Mrs. Reynard in the BBC comedy series Keeping Up Appearances.
• Laurence Fishburne: Academy Award nominated actor, best known for his roles in The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood, and Hannibal.
• Michael Laurence: British actor and playwright, best known for the play The Homecoming and for his role as the attorney on the BBC television series The Shadow Line.
• Paul Laurence Dunbar: American poet and author of the early twentieth century, renowned for his works in both the traditional English language and in the African-American dialect of the day.
• Sir Laurence Olivier: English actor, director, and producer of stage and film, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of all time.
• Lawrence O'Donnell: American political analyst and host of The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC.
• Gyles Brandreth: British writer, broadcaster, and former Member of Parliament, best known for his appearances as a contestant on the panel show Countdown.
• Michael Laurence: Shakespearean actor, best known for his performances of Lear and Othello.

Other surnames

LaurencesonLaurensLaurensonLaurentLaurentiusLaurentsLaurentsenLaurentzLaurentzenLaurentziLaurenzLaurenzenLaurenzi