Laurence is a given name of Latin origin that means "laurel" or "bay tree." It is derived from the word "laurus," which was used by the ancient Romans to refer to the laurel tree and its leaves. The laurel tree was considered sacred by the Romans, and its leaves were often worn as wreaths by victorious athletes and military leaders.
The name Laurence first appeared in the Roman Empire during the early Christian period. It was given to boys born into wealthy or influential families who wished to honor Saint Laurence, an early Christian martyr who was said to have been burned alive on a gridiron for refusing to renounce his faith. According to legend, Saint Laurence wore a laurel wreath on his head as he was being martyred, which may explain why the name Laurence became associated with the laurel tree.
Over time, the name Laurence gained popularity throughout Europe and was often used by families who wished to honor their religious heritage or to express their devotion to the Catholic Church. Today, Laurence is still a popular given name for boys in many parts of the world, including France, Italy, Spain, and England. It has also been used as a girl's name in some cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries.
In literature, the name Laurence has been used by several notable authors to refer to characters in their works. For example, Laurence Sterne used it for the protagonist of his novel "Tristram Shandy," while David Herbert Lawrence is best known for his work as a poet and novelist, including his famous collection of short stories entitled "The Virgin and the Gipsy.
The name Laurence has seen a varied journey in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1914, the number of births fluctuated between 24 and 470, with a significant increase starting from 1912. The peak was reached in 1918 with 557 births.
However, after World War I, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Laurence. Between 1919 and 1963, the number of births ranged from 504 to 350, with a noticeable drop starting from the late 1950s.
From 1964 onwards, the name Laurence continued to decline in popularity, reaching its lowest point in recent years in 2010 with only 41 births. Since then, there has been a slight increase, with 72 births recorded in 2020 and 67 in 2023.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, the name Laurence has been given to approximately 39560 babies in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Laurence remains a unique and classic choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with historic roots.