Origin & Meaning of the Laurence Surname
What does the last name Laurence mean?
The surname Laurence carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,336 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Laurence ranks as the #9,722 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Laurence come from?
The Laurence surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Laurence name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Laurence trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Laurence |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,722 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,336 |
| Per 100K People | 1.13 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Laurence
According to the US Census, the Laurence surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,336 Americans with the Laurence last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.59% |
| Black | 11.57% |
| Hispanic | 3.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.83% |
| Native American | 1.08% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Laurence Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Laurence surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Laurence surname increased by 287 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Laurence Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Laurence ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Laurence
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Laurence.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Laurence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurence
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Laurence surname also look for: