Laurence
Meaning of Laurence
Laurence is a popular male name with a rich history and strong associations. It has its origins in Latin, derived from the name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum" or "man from Laurentum". Laurentum was an ancient city in Italy.
The name Laurence has a distinguished sound and can be pronounced differently based on regional variations. In American English, it is pronounced as LAWR-uhns (/ˈlɔrəns/), while in British English, it is pronounced as LOHR-uhns (/ˈlɔːrəns/). However, both pronunciations have gained acceptance and are widely recognized.
In terms of popularity, Laurence has consistently been used for baby boys in the United States over the years. While there have been fluctuations in rank and occurrence, it remains a name that parents gravitate towards. In recent years, it has ranked between 2250 and 2506 in popularity.
With its classic charm and timeless appeal, Laurence carries a sense of elegance and sophistication. It has been associated with notable individuals throughout history, including writers like Laurence Olivier and Laurence Sterne. The name also holds cultural significance through characters like Professor Laurence in Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women".
Choosing the name Laurence for your baby boy would honor tradition while giving him a distinctive moniker that will stand the test of time. Whether you prefer the American or British pronunciation, this name exudes strength and refinement.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as LAWR-uhns (/'lɔrəns/)
British English
- Pronunced as LOHR-uhns (/'lɔːrəns/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Laurence
| Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, was a prominent English actor and director known for his influential career on stage, in film, and on television. |
| Laurence John Fishburne III is a renowned American actor, celebrated for his powerful and commanding performances on stage and screen, including iconic roles in The Matrix series, Boyz n the Hood, Apocalypse Now, and the John Wick film series. |
| Laurence Roderick Llewelyn-Bowen is a well-known English interior designer and television personality, famous for his appearances on the BBC show Changing Rooms. |
| Laurence O'Keefe - Laurence Crawford "Larry" O'Keefe is an American composer and lyricist known for his work on Broadway musicals, film, and television, and he won the 2001 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical as the composer of Bat Boy: The Musical. |
| Laurence Kinlan is a well-known Irish actor, recognized for his portrayal of Elmo in the popular crime drama Love/Hate on RTÉ. |
| Laurence Naismith was an English actor known for his roles in films such as Scrooge, A Night to Remember, and Jason and the Argonauts. |
| Laurence Gibson is a former American football offensive tackle who played college football at Virginia Tech and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2015 NFL draft. |
| Laurence Steinberg is an American university professor of psychology who specializes in adolescent psychological development. |
| Laurence Gerald Hanscom was an American journalist and aviator, known for being the namesake of Hanscom Air Force Base and Hanscom Field. |
| Laurence Johnston Peter was a Canadian educator known for the formulation of the Peter principle. |
| Laurence Ferrari is a well-known French journalist and former anchor of the TF1 weekday evening news Le 20H, who also occasionally works for Europe 1. |
| Laurence Arthur Turner FSA was an English artisan and master craftsman. |
| Laurence Hugh Frost was a rear admiral in the United States Navy, known for his service as Director of Naval Intelligence and Director of the National Security Agency. |
| Laurence Haddon was an American actor known for his work in television, movies, and on stage, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 90. |
| Laurence Oliphant, 1st Lord Oliphant was a Scottish peer. |
