Find out how popular the first name Law has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Law by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Law is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Law.

The history of the first name Law

The name Law originated from the Old English word "lagu," which means "law" or "rule." It first appeared in the 8th century and was used to refer to people who were knowledgeable in legal matters or were responsible for enforcing laws.

In ancient times, the name Law was associated with authority, justice, and order. It was often given to individuals who held positions of power or played a role in establishing and maintaining legal systems within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Law can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which mentions a man named Law who lived in the 9th century. However, the name gained more prominence during the Middle Ages, when several notable figures bore it.

One such person was Law de Longueville, a Norman knight who fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Another was Law de Burnham, an English judge and legal scholar who lived in the 13th century and wrote extensively on English common law.

During the Renaissance period, the name Law became associated with the burgeoning field of jurisprudence. A notable figure from this era was John Law, a Scottish economist and financial theorist who lived from 1671 to 1729. He is best known for his role in establishing the Banque Générale in France, which ultimately led to the infamous Mississippi Bubble financial crisis.

In the 19th century, the name Law gained popularity in the United States, where several notable figures bore it. One of the most famous was Andrew Law, a American naval officer who served during the War of 1812 and later became a prominent lawyer and politician in Indiana.

Another significant figure was John Law, an American politician and lawyer who served as the 16th Governor of Connecticut from 1842 to 1844. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Connecticut Supreme Court and was instrumental in promoting educational reforms in the state.

In more recent times, the name Law has been associated with various fields, including literature, science, and entertainment. One notable bearer was John Law, a British novelist and playwright who lived from 1915 to 2004 and is best known for his satirical works.

Overall, the name Law has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures, reflecting its deep connection to the concepts of order, justice, and legal authority. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it continues to hold significance as a given name that carries a sense of respect and authority.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Law was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Law, please contact us.

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