Laurence

What does Laurence mean?

Laurence is French in origin and automatically sounds a touch more elegant in German and translates as “Laurel-crowned, from Laurentum”. Name meanings are rarely definitive; where several readings circulate we list the most common first. Treat them as origin stories rather than definitions.

Sound, length and pronunciation

It is pronounced lo-RAHNSS. Ending on a vowel gives it a soft, open finish — names like this pair especially well with short, hard surnames.

With 8 letters and 2 syllables, Laurence is a longer name. That gives it resonance, but almost inevitably brings a short form with it — decide which one you like before nursery decides for you.

How popular is the name?

Laurence does not appear near the top of current German name statistics. For parents looking for a name that appears only once in a classroom, that is precisely the point.

Does Laurence suit your surname?

Check Laurence against your surname for three things: the rhythm when spoken, the initials (Anna Sophie Schmidt becomes A.S.S.) and the nickname nursery will inevitably produce.

Sibling names that go with it

Parents who go on to have a second child often want names that work together. Laurence pairs well with Constance, Clémence.

Registry offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

In Germany the registry office decides whether a first name may be entered. It must be recognisable as a first name and must not harm the child's wellbeing. Austria applies comparable criteria, and in Switzerland the civil registry decides. Laurence is rarer but meets the usual criteria. If in doubt, a phone call to the registry office settles it.