The surname Laurance is of English origin. The given name Laurence is derived from the French form of Latin ‘Laurentius’, signifieing ‘man from Laurentum’. Laurentum was a town in Italy, probably named so from its laurels (from the Latin ‘laurus’ laurel) or bay trees, or may alternatively be of pre-Roman origin. The given name was popular during the Middle Ages as a result of the fame of a third century saint who was one of the seven deacons of Rome. He was martyred in 258. The legend is that having been required to hand over the Church’s treasures to the civil authorities, he assembled the poor and sick and presented them. For this, he was supposedly roasted to death on a gridiron. He enjoyed a considerable cult following throughout Europe, with consequent popularity of the given name. In England the name is also associated with St.Laurence of Canterbury, who fought against pagan backsliding among his flock.The given name dates back to the twelfth century were a Laurentius is recorded in historical archives. From here it became a common name and many dimin…
Coat of arms: Argent a cross rag…