A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Laurence since 1880
Babies named Laurence per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1952, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Laurence's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 303 |
| 1890s | 548 |
| 1900s | 778 |
| 1910s | 3,714 |
| 1920s | 5,750 |
| 1930s | 4,808 |
| 1940s | 6,670 |
| 1950s | 6,889 |
| 1960s | 4,216 |
| 1970s | 1,938 |
| 1980s | 1,402 |
| 1990s | 1,073 |
| 2000s | 661 |
| 2010s | 554 |
| 2020s | 416 |
Meaning & origin
Laurence is a classic name with Roman roots, brought to England by the Normans and sustained by the enduring veneration of Saint Laurence. Its popularity peaked in 1903, when it ranked highest in U.S. records, and after a long decline it has been rising again since 2011, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. Currently ranked 1743rd, it is given to roughly 1 in 18,366 boys, with particular favor in Washington, New York, and California. The name's steady, unflashy presence makes it a solid choice for parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name.
Laurence is the English and French form of the Latin Laurentius, which originally denoted a person from Laurentum, an ancient Italian town. Laurentum likely derives from laurus, the Latin word for laurel, a plant associated with victory and honor in Roman culture. The name was popularized by several early saints, including Saint Laurence, a 3rd-century deacon martyred in Rome, and has been in use in England since the Middle Ages.
Where Laurence is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Laurence” around the world
Where Laurence lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Quebec
#73
in 2025
Sources: Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Larry, Laurie
Variants: Lawrence
Sibling names for Laurence
Names that share Laurence's style, for a brother or sister.
