Find out how popular the first name Lawerence has been for the last 42 years (from 1974 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lawerence by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Lawerence is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lawerence.

The history of the first name Lawerence

The name Lawerence has its origins in the Latin name Laurentius, which is derived from the Roman family name Laurentius. The name Laurentius itself comes from the Latin word 'laurus', meaning 'laurel'. The laurel was a plant that was associated with victory and honor in ancient Rome, and it was commonly used to create wreaths that were placed on the heads of victorious leaders and athletes.

The name Lawerence first appeared in historical records in the 3rd century CE, when it was borne by St. Lawrence, who was a Christian deacon and martyr in Rome. According to legend, St. Lawrence was burned alive on a gridiron during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Valerian in 258 CE. His martyrdom and unwavering faith made him a revered figure in the Christian tradition, and the name Lawerence became closely associated with him.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Lawerence is found in the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, written in the 8th century CE. Bede mentions a man named Laurentius who was a companion of St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury. This suggests that the name had already spread to Britain by this time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lawerence. One of the most famous was Laurence of Arabia (1888-1935), a British archaeologist, military officer, and writer who played a significant role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. His exploits were later immortalized in the film "Lawrence of Arabia".

Another well-known Lawerence was Laurence Olivier (1907-1989), a renowned English actor and director who was widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century. He received numerous accolades, including a knighthood and a peerage, for his contributions to the arts.

In the field of literature, Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) was an Irish novelist and Anglican clergyman who is best known for his satirical novel "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman". His innovative and unconventional writing style influenced many subsequent authors.

The name Lawerence has also been borne by several religious figures, including St. Laurence O'Toole (1128-1180), who was the Archbishop of Dublin and is the patron saint of the city. Another notable bearer was Laurence Humphrey (1527-1590), an English Protestant theologian and Puritan reformer who played a significant role in the development of the Church of England.

Despite its long and illustrious history, the name Lawerence has become less common in recent times, though it still retains a sense of distinction and tradition.

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 Lawerence was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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