Lawrence is a male given name of Latin origin that means "laurel-bearing" or "of laurel." The name Lawrence comes from the Latin word "laurus," which means "laurel tree." In ancient Rome, laurels were used to create wreaths and crowns for victorious generals and athletes. As such, the name Lawrence was often given to children in honor of these achievements.
The name Lawrence has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Saint Lawrence, who was an early Christian martyr and one of the seven deacons of Rome. He was sentenced to death during the persecution of Christians under Roman Emperor Valerian in 258 AD. According to tradition, Saint Lawrence was roasted alive on a gridiron, but he remained undeterred in his faith until his death.
Another famous bearer of the name Lawrence is the American author D.H. Lawrence, who wrote several influential works including "Women in Love" and "The Rainbow." The poet T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," was a British archaeologist and military officer who played a significant role in the Arab Revolt during World War I.
In popular culture, the name Lawrence has been used in various movies, television shows, and books. For example, the character Lawrence Kutner from the television series "House M.D." is named after the poet T.E. Lawrence.
Today, the name Lawrence remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their sons a strong and distinctive name with historical significance. It is often shortened to Larry or Lawry for informal use. Whatever form it takes, the name Lawrence carries with it a rich history and a timeless meaning that makes it a classic choice for a boy's name.
In the United States, the name Lawrence has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years. According to the data provided, there were five babies named Lawrence in 1949, followed by a slight increase to seven births in 1951. The trend continued with eight births in 1952. However, the number of newborns named Lawrence decreased again to five in 1954. Despite this dip, the name regained some popularity with eight births recorded in 1957.
Over this five-year span from 1949 to 1957, a total of 33 babies were given the name Lawrence in the United States. While the number of newborns named Lawrence varied annually, it is clear that during this period, the name remained relatively popular among parents choosing names for their sons.