What does Laurence mean and where does it come from?
Laurence has roots in Latin and has been historically used as a male name, but in recent times, it has also been adopted for females, especially in French-speaking countries. The laurel tree is significant in various cultures, often associated with achievements and honor. Some notable figures with v
Cultural significance
Laurence has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #1124 in 1891 — currently #2137 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Laurence?
Laurence works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laurence Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laurence Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laurence Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laurence Claire
French influence · crisp
Laurence Jane
Literary · strong
Laurence Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laurence right now?
Rising fast — up 403 spots — currently #2137 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2137 | 68 | ▲ up 403 · +26% births |
| 2022 | #2540 | 54 | ▼ down 275 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #2265 | 62 | ▲ up 11081 · +933% births |
| 2020 | #13346 | 6 | ▼ down 175 |
| 2000 | #13171 | 6 | ▼ down 5851 · -45% births |
| 1990 | #7320 | 11 | ▲ up 3385 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #10705 | 5 | ▼ down 4132 |
| 1965 | #6573 | 5 | ▼ down 2892 · -29% births |
| 1930 | #3681 | 7 | ▼ down 1552 · -61% births |
| 1925 | #2129 | 18 | ▲ up 787 · +64% births |
| 1920 | #2916 | 11 | ▼ down 3 · +22% births |
| 1915 | #2913 | 9 | ▼ down 1253 |
| 1910 | #1660 | 9 | ▲ up 295 · +80% births |
| 1905 | #1955 | 5 | ▼ down 1 |
| 1900 | #1954 | 5 | — |
The story of Laurence
Laurence has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. A total of 39,844 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1372 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2137 in 2023. Laurence is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Laurence in 1891:
Laurence by decade
Laurence peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 303 | |
| 1890s | 587 | |
| 1900s | 826 | |
| 1910s | 3,799 | |
| 1920s | 5,839 | |
| 1930s | 4,830 | |
| 1940s | 6,686 | |
| 1950s ★ | 6,917 | |
| 1960s | 4,275 | |
| 1970s | 1,951 | |
| 1980s | 1,421 | |
| 1990s | 1,094 | |
| 2000s | 676 | |
| 2010s | 563 | |
| 2020s | 77 | |
What are good nicknames for Laurence?
Common
LauLaurLaurieLauryEnce
What names sound and feel like Laurence?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laurence also consider these
Common questions about the name Laurence
What does the name Laurence mean?
Laurence means "Latin" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Laurence?
Laurence is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Laurence have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Laurence?
Laurence originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Laurence?
Laurence pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Laurence trending right now?
Laurence is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.