Laurence 1

From the Roman cognomen Laurentius, which meant "from Laurentum". Laurentum was an ancient Italian city whose name likely derives from Latin laurus "laurel". Saint Laurence was a 3rd-century deacon and martyr from Rome. Tradition holds that he was roasted alive on a gridiron because, when commanded to surrender the church's treasures, he presented the sick and poor instead. The saint's popularity brought the name into widespread use throughout the Christian world in various spellings.

During the Middle Ages, this name was common in England, partly due to a second saint of this name, a 7th-century archbishop of Canterbury. It has also been widespread in Ireland thanks to the 12th-century Saint Laurence O'Toole (whose actual name was Lorcán). Since the 19th century, the spelling Lawrence has been more prevalent, especially in America. A renowned bearer was British actor Laurence Olivier (1907-1989).