Larence is a name of Latin origin that means "from Laurentum". Laurentum was an ancient city in Italy located near the modern-day town of Laurento. The name Larence is derived from the Latin word "laurus", which means "laurel" and refers to the laurel tree, a plant known for its evergreen leaves and berries.
The history of the name Larence can be traced back to ancient Roman times. In fact, one of the most famous figures associated with the name is Saint Lawrence, who was an early Christian deacon martyred in Rome around 258 AD. He is said to have been burned alive on a gridiron, which led to his association with the grill and the color red in religious art.
Over time, the name Lawrence became more popular as a given name due to its association with Saint Lawrence. It has since evolved into various forms such as Laurence, Laurance, Laurens, Laurenzo, and Lawrence among others. Today, Larence is still used as a given name but it is not as common as some of its variants.
In terms of popularity, the name Larence has never been particularly widespread. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names in the United States, for example, the highest rank that Larence has ever achieved was 862nd place in 1930. Since then, its usage has declined steadily and it is now considered quite rare.
Overall, Larence is a unique name with an interesting history behind it. Its Latin origins give it a classic feel while its association with Saint Lawrence adds a touch of spirituality to the moniker. Although it may not be as popular as some other names, those who bear the name Larence can take pride in its rich heritage and distinctive sound.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Laurence:
Over a span of over a century (from 1886 to 2014), there were a total of 1096 babies named Laurence in the United States. This shows that although it's not one of the most popular names, Laurence has still been given to quite a number of children.
The name Laurence had its peak popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century. Between 1927 and 1935, there were consistently around 24-37 births per year with this name. The highest point was in 1927 with 37 births.
After World War II, the popularity of Laurence began to decline. From 1946 onwards, the number of annual births with this name fell below 20. This trend continued until the late 1950s and early 1960s when it hit its lowest point (7-9 births per year).
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence in popularity for Laurence during the late 1980s to mid-1990s, with around 5-7 births per year. However, this did not reach the levels seen earlier in the century.
In recent years (2014), there were still 6 babies named Laurence at birth, indicating that while it may not be a highly popular name today, some parents are still choosing it for their children.
Overall, these statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Laurence has fluctuated over time in the United States. While it once enjoyed significant popularity early last century, its usage has since declined and stabilized at lower levels.