Laurice is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the male name Laurence, which means "from Laurentum" or "laurel tree." The name Laurence is believed to have been brought to England by the Romans and was later used as a boy's name in France.
The name Laurice first appeared as a female name in the late 19th century. It is not particularly common, but it has been used sporadically throughout history. In France, for example, there were several women named Laurice who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Laurice. However, there is a small town called Laurice in Italy, located in the region of Tuscany. It is possible that some people named Laurice may have come from this town or had ancestors who did.
In literature and popular culture, there are not many characters named Laurice. One notable exception is Laurice "Lucky" Santangelo, a character in the novels by Jackie Collins. Lucky is a strong-willed woman who becomes a powerful figure in the gambling world of Las Vegas.
Overall, Laurice is an uncommon but interesting name with a Latin origin and a meaning related to laurels or victory. While it may not have many famous namesakes or references in popular culture, its unique sound and meaning make it a distinctive choice for a girl's name.
The name Laurice has been a relatively uncommon choice for babies born in the United States over the past century, with a total of 280 recorded births since 1903. The name's popularity fluctuated greatly throughout this period.
In the early years, there were several peaks in Laurice's popularity. In 1915 and 1916, five babies were named Laurice each year, followed by a spike to 14 births in 1919. This high was not matched again until much later.
The name's popularity dipped significantly during the 1930s and 1940s, with only a handful of births each year, ranging from five to eight babies named Laurice annually.
Interestingly, there were two periods in which the name Laurice gained some traction. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, seven babies were named Laurice in both 1969 and 1970, followed by an increase to 11 births in 1973. This period marked one of the highest points for the name's popularity.
Since then, Laurice's popularity has continued to vary, with a steady decline over recent decades. There were five births each year from 1990 to 2002, and another spike of six births in both 2006 and 2008. However, since 2008, there have been no recorded births with the name Laurice in the United States.
While Laurice may not be one of the most popular names, its unique sound and spelling could make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive. Its historical popularity offers a glimpse into trends in baby naming over the past century.