Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lawrence
BoyLatin, English· “from Laurentum”
- Meaning
- from Laurentum
- Origin
- Latin, English
- Pronunciation
- LAW-ruhns
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #520
- US babies 2025
- 578
- Best rank
- #30 (1942)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Lawrence
Lawrence is a Latin and English name that means “from Laurentum”.
Lawrence comes from the Latin Laurentius, "man from Laurentum", an ancient town near Rome whose name was probably linked to laurus, "laurel". Saint Lawrence, a deacon of Rome martyred in the third century, was one of the most widely venerated early saints, and the Saint Lawrence River in North America was named in his honor. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages. T. E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, carried it as a surname, and the actor Laurence Olivier used another spelling. It feels traditional and distinguished. Larry and Laurie are nicknames, and Lorenzo and Laurent are European forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Laurence, Lawrance, Laurance, Lorence.
Popularity over time
Lawrence has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #30 in 1942, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 10,302 were named Lawrence. In 2025, 578 babies were named Lawrence, and it ranked #520 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #36 in 1920, #33 in 1950, #129 in 1980, #322 in 2000, #457 in 2010, and #520 in 2025. Of the 461,170 US boys named Lawrence since records began, 20% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 80,461 babies. Since 2010, 9,117 more have been named Lawrence.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Roger, Philip, Allen, Frederick, and Lee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lawrence ranked highest in Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #267 | 22 |
| Iowa | #272 | 15 |
| South Dakota | #284 | 5 |
| Kansas | #286 | 13 |
| Michigan | #359 | 25 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Lawrence over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Lawrence is usually pronounced LAW-ruhns, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with L and ends in “-ce”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Laurence, Lawrance, Laurance, and Lorence.
Middle names for Lawrence
A few middle names that flow with Lawrence: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lawrence
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Lists that include Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lawrence mean?
Lawrence is a Latin and English name that means “from Laurentum”.
What is the origin of the name Lawrence?
Lawrence has Latin and English roots. Lawrence comes from the Latin Laurentius, "man from Laurentum", an ancient town near Rome whose name was probably linked to laurus, "laurel".
Is Lawrence a popular name?
Yes. Lawrence ranked #520 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lawrence a boy or girl name?
Lawrence is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Lawrence over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Lawrence?
Lawrence is usually pronounced LAW-ruhns. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings