The name Lorenzo has its origins in the Latin language and culture. It is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which itself comes from the Latin word "laurus" meaning laurel. The laurel was an important symbol in ancient Roman culture, with victorious leaders and heroes being crowned with laurel wreaths.

Lorenzo emerged as a given name during the late Roman era, when many early Christians adopted names with Latin origins. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Saint Laurentius, a deacon of the Roman Church who was martyred in 258 AD during the persecution of Christians by Roman emperor Valerian. His death is commemorated on August 10th each year.

Over the centuries, the name Lorenzo became commonly used in Italy and other regions influenced by Roman and Italian culture. Some notable individuals named Lorenzo include Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492), a powerful and influential ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Renaissance. He was a great patron of the arts and sponsored many iconic works by figures such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Another prominent Lorenzo was Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455), a Florentine sculptor best known for his magnificent bronze doors at the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral. The doors, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, were so exquisite that Michelangelo declared them worthy of being the "Gates of Paradise."

The name also has ties to religious figures, such as Lorenzo Giustiniani (1381-1456), a Venetian priest who founded the Canons Regular of Saint George in Alga and worked to reform monastic life. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690.

Other famous bearers of the name include Lorenzo Lotto (1480-1556), an Italian Renaissance painter known for his portraits; Lorenzo da Ponte (1749-1838), a Venetian librettist who wrote the librettos for many of Mozart's operas including The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni; and Lorenzo Bandini (1935-1967), an Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One.