LAURENCE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Laurence

The surname Laurence is of Old French origin, derived from the masculine given name "Laurence" which means "from Laurentum" in Latin. Laurentum was an ancient city in Italy, and the name was borne by an early Christian saint who was martyred in Rome in the 3rd century.

The surname Laurence is widespread in Britain and has historical significance, tracing back to the medieval period. Variants of the surname include Lawrence and Lawrance. The name has been borne by notable figures in British history, including Sir Henry Laurence, a prominent 16th-century politician.

Today, individuals with the surname Laurence can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the English-speaking world. The name has retained its popularity over the centuries, reflecting a rich heritage and a sense of tradition among those who bear it.

There are approximately 1,611 people named Laurence in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,038th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Laurence.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
Ian
James
John
Mark
Michael
Peter
Richard
Robert
Stephen

Female

Amanda
Eileen
Elizabeth
Emma
Gillian
Jacqueline
Karen
Margaret
Nicola
Patricia
Sarah
Sharon
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.