Q16278259

Laurence is in modern use as an English masculine and a French feminine given name. The modern English masculine name is a variant of Lawrence and originates from a French form of the Latin Laurentius, a name meaning "man from Laurentum".

The French feminine name Laurence is derived from the same source and is used in French-speaking countries as a form of the masculine Laurent. The name was used in the Middle Ages for both males and females in honor of Saint Laurence, one of the seven deacons of Rome. In England, it was also given in reference to Saint Laurence of Canterbury.