Lawrence
Lawrence comes from the Latin "Laurentius," meaning "from Laurentum" — a city whose name derives from "laurus" (laurel). The laurel was the symbol of victory in ancient Rome. Saint Lawrence (c.225-258) was a 3rd-century deacon of Rome martyred by being roasted on a gridiron — according to legend, he told his executioners, "Turn me over, I'm done on this side." Lawrence was a top-100 American name from 1880 to 1965, peaking at #31 in 1947. Lawrence (the actor Sir Laurence Olivier, 1907-1989, considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, known for "Hamlet" (1948) and "Wuthering Heights" (1939)) is the most famous bearer. Lawrence (the writer D.H. Lawrence, 1885-1930, author of "Lady Chatterley's Lover" (1928)) gave the name literary prestige. I find Lawrence has a serious, slightly patrician quality — the "L" opening is gentle, the "w" gives it warmth, and the "ce" ending gives it a slight French finish. The nickname Larry (as in Larry David) lightens it considerably. Lawrence is a male name of Latin origin that means "From Laurentum (city of laurel)". Serious, patrician, and quietly accomplished. The name sounds historic. Lawrences tend to be thoughtful. US peaked #31 in 1947. Outside top 500 since 2015. Well-known people named Lawrence include Saint Lawrence (martyr), Laurence Olivier (actor), D.H. Lawrence (author), Lawrence (Latin name). Common variations and related forms of Lawrence include Laurence (variant), Lars (Scandinavian), Lorenzo (Italian), Larry (nickname).