Lawrence is an English masculine given name that has been popular throughout history and around the world. The name Lawrence originated from the Latin name Laurentius, which was derived from the Latin word "laurus" meaning "laurel". Laurel was a tree whose leaves were used to make wreaths for victorious athletes in ancient Rome.
The name Lawrence was first brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It quickly became popular, with many variations of the name appearing in historical records throughout the Middle Ages. Some of these variants include Laurence, Lorenze, Laurens, and Lorenzo.
One of the most famous people named Lawrence was Saint Lawrence, who was a Christian deacon martyred during the persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Valerian in 258 AD. According to legend, Lawrence was burned alive on a gridiron, which is why he is often depicted holding a gridiron or surrounded by flames. Due to his martyrdom, Saint Lawrence became the patron saint of cooks and chefs, as well as other professions associated with heat and fire.
In literature, Lawrence has been used as a character name in many works, including Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" and D.H. Lawrence's novel "Sons and Lovers". The name was also popular among the wealthy and aristocratic families of England during the Victorian era.
Today, Lawrence remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons, both in English-speaking countries and around the world. It is often shortened to Larry orLawry as a nickname. Whether it's inspired by the ancient Roman laurel tree, the brave Saint Lawrence, or another famous bearer of the name, Lawrence continues to be a beloved and timeless choice for boys' names.
The statistics provided show the annual number of babies named Lawrence born in the United States between 1922 and 1990. Over this period, there were a total of 100 babies given the name Lawrence.
It is interesting to observe that the popularity of the name Lawrence varied throughout these decades. The highest number of births was recorded in 1949 with 10 babies named Lawrence. Conversely, some years had only 5 births, such as in 1922, 1936, 1952, and 1990.
The statistics also indicate that the name Lawrence experienced a decline in popularity towards the end of this period, with no recorded births after 1959. This could suggest that the name fell out of favor or was replaced by other popular names during these years.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity, the name Lawrence has remained relatively consistent over time, with an average of approximately 10 babies named Lawrence born each year between 1922 and 1990. This suggests that while it may not have been a top choice for parents every year, the name Lawrence still held some appeal during this period.
In conclusion, these statistics provide insights into the popularity trends of the name Lawrence in the United States from 1922 to 1990, demonstrating variations over time and revealing its enduring but moderate appeal.