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Laurent, this first name, I have often heard it around me without ever really wondering where it exactly came from. It’s a classic, one of those first names that sound familiar, almost reassuring, you see? And besides, I’ve always found it had a little something elegant, a bit retro, sometimes a bit discreet.
I particularly remember a childhood friend named Laurent, we often played cards, and I thought, it’s a name that fits someone calm, a bit organized. Well, it depends on the Laurents, of course, but that was the image I had. But frankly, I had never really dug into the origin.
So, when I started digging a bit, I discovered that Laurent comes from Latin. The word is “laurentius” which, if translated on the fly, means “crowned with laurel”. Not bad, right? The laurel was a symbol of glory and victory in Roman times, something both noble and natural.
I thought to myself, that’s why this name has this somewhat triumphant charm despite its simple side. And then, there is also Saint Laurent, that Christian martyr from the 3rd century, who probably helped popularize the name. He is celebrated on August 10th, by the way, if you ever want to follow the tradition.
Another nice detail: the first name Laurent reached its popularity peak in France mainly between the 60s and 90s. Today, it’s given a little less, but it still remains well established, especially in families who like classic first names.
What is the origin and meaning of the first name Laurent?
So, the first name Laurent has its roots in ancient Latin with this term “laurentius”. Basically, it would refer to being “crowned with laurels”. The laurel is not just a plant, it’s a very important ancient symbol, linked to victory, glory, success. Among the Romans, winners themselves wore laurel crowns, so imagine a bit the cultural weight behind this name.
There is also a religious dimension that came with time. Saint Laurent, deacon of Rome in the 3rd century, is a major figure. His tragic story, he died a martyr, gave sacred weight to the first name. It’s probably thanks to him that the first name spread very widely, carried by Christian families who likely wanted to transmit a moral strength in addition to symbolic success.
The deep meaning of the first name Laurent
Now be careful, it’s not set in stone, but according to various sources, carrying the first name Laurent is a bit like being associated with the notion of success, honor, victory, that famous symbolic laurel. It’s like wearing a kind of small invisible crown on oneself.
Beyond the warrior side, there is also this idea of elegance and simplicity, a bit like a well-tailored suit. The first name also evokes a generous personality, someone who seeks to be liked and who enjoys giving attention around them.
Popularity of the first name Laurent in France and worldwide
In France, the first name Laurent had its peak between the 60s and 90s. Many boys received this first name; it became very common in families of all social classes, a true first name of the modern middle class. Today, it is rarer, yet it remains strong and we continue to come across Laurents, a sign that it has resisted over time.
It is also a known first name in other French-speaking countries, like Belgium or Canada, but strangely, it is less popular in non-French-speaking countries. Well, there are some variants, but this first name really remains anchored in Francophone and Latin culture.
Variants and versions of the first name Laurent
Ah, the first name Laurent, it has several cousins across Europe. For example, in Italian, there is Lorenzo, which is very common there, and sounds similar, with the same taste for laurel. In Spanish, it’s the same, Lorenzo comes back regularly.
There is also the English form Lawrence, a bit less used in France, but known. And of course, you can see cute diminutives like Lolo or Lau among the closest ones. I even have a friend who amused himself by going by “Laurentinho” at one time, just for style.
Some celebrities named Laurent
The first name Laurent has been carried by lots of interesting personalities. For example, Laurent Ruquier, that famous French host who marked TV and radio, is a must-see. Then, there is Laurent Lafitte, actor and comedian, very active in 2025 with several projects on his plate.
Historically, there is of course Saint Laurent of Rome, but also Laurent of Belgium, a modern political and military figure. In the artistic world, Laurent Boutonnat, a companion of Mylène Farmer, has also greatly contributed to making this first name known through his work.
Character traits and symbolism linked to the first name Laurent
It is often said that Laurents are generous people, who really like giving affection. They are also very attentive, empathetic. But beware, sometimes it can go a bit too far and become a bit too intrusive, as if they wanted to understand and control too many things around them.
They have this perseverance ability, a fighting side, they set personal challenges to reach their goals. As children, a Laurent often needs to be a bit at the center, he hates indifference. I find this touching because you feel a certain vulnerability behind the facade.
Little anecdotes and surprising facts about the first name Laurent
It’s funny, but Laurent is also a first name that has crossed centuries, from ancient Rome to today, never really losing its shine. It is celebrated on August 10th, a date when the Laurent families like to get together, apparently.
Moreover, this first name is associated with rock crystal as a precious stone, which adds a slightly mystical or symbolic touch. And then, I find it funny that despite its antiquity, Laurent doesn’t have that outdated side that some other classic first names sometimes have.
- 🌿 First name of Latin origin and symbol of victory
- 📅 Peak popularity between the 60s and 90s in France
- 🌍 Mainly Francophone, with variants like Lorenzo or Lawrence
- 🎭 Famous Laurents such as Laurent Ruquier and Laurent Lafitte
- 💎 Associated stone: rock crystal, symbol of purity
