Lawrence
A surname that began as a patronymic from the personal name Lawrence, meaning “son of Lawrence.”
The #232 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,380 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Lawrence comes from the medieval personal name Lawrence, ultimately from Latin Laurentius, meaning “from Laurentum” or more loosely “of the laurel city.” Because laurel was a symbol of honor and victory, the name was later associated with that plant as well. As a surname, it developed in the usual way from a father’s given name.
History
The name became common in England after the popularity of St. Lawrence in medieval Christendom. It spread widely in the British Isles and later to North America and other English-speaking regions. Historical surname writers also note forms like Larkin as a related diminutive from Lawrence.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
A few old surname lists treat Larkin as a diminutive or pet form of Lawrence, not just a separate surname.
From the historical record
“MAC LAINE = Mac Lean, q.v. MAC LAREN (Celt.+Lat.) Son OF Lawrence, q.v. [Gael. Mac Ldbhruinti] MAC LARTY, a contr. form of Mac Flaherty, Son OF Flaherty, q.v.”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)