Origin & Meaning of the Lawrence Surname
What does the last name Lawrence mean?
The surname Lawrence 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 129,699 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lawrence ranks as the #232 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lawrence come from?
The Lawrence 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 Lawrence name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lawrence 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 | Lawrence |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #232 |
| US Count (2010) | 129,699 |
| Per 100K People | 43.97 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lawrence
According to the US Census, the Lawrence surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 129,699 Americans with the Lawrence last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.87% |
| Black | 24.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.93% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
Popularity of Lawrence Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lawrence surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lawrence surname increased by 5,378 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lawrence
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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 Lawrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence
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