Laurence
Popularity in 2025: #1,747 for boys
What does the baby name “Laurence” mean?
Laurence is a distinguished and timeless baby name rooted in ancient Rome, meaning "from Laurentum" and carrying the enduring symbolism of the laurel, the crown of victory.
Origin of the baby name Laurence
Laurence descends from the Latin name Laurentius, which referred to a person from Laurentum, a city in ancient Latium whose name may itself derive from "laurus," the Latin word for the laurel tree. The laurel was the symbol of triumph and honor in the Roman world, making Laurence a name with genuinely noble associations baked into its roots.
Baby Laurence: The Seeker →
History of the baby name “Laurence”
Laurence gained lasting fame through Saint Laurentius, a third-century Roman martyr whose courage and wit became legendary in early Christian tradition. The name traveled across Europe with the Church and took local forms in every country it reached. In the English-speaking world, Laurence and Lawrence have both been in steady use for centuries, with Laurence holding a slightly more literary, formal air.
Why parents choose the baby name “Laurence”
Laurence is a name that carries genuine weight without feeling heavy. It works beautifully for both boys and girls, has a distinguished feel that suits any stage of life, and comes with the practical bonus of the nickname Larry or Laurie for more casual moments. Parents who love classic, substantive names often find Laurence exactly what they are looking for.
Nicknames for the Baby Name “Laurence”
Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Laurence”
Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Laurence might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.
Variations on the baby name “Laurence”
The related name Lawrence is the most common English spelling. Across Europe, the same root appears as Lorenzo in Italian and Spanish, Laurent in French, Lorenz in German, Lars in Scandinavian languages, and Laurentius in the original Latin form.
Baby names similar to “Laurence”
These baby names share spelling patterns with Laurence and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.
Baby girl names similar to Laurence
Baby names that sound like “Laurence”
Baby girl names that sound like Laurence
Baby sibling names for Laurence
Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Laurence →
Baby Middle Names for Laurence
Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Laurence, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.