NameCensus.

UK surname

Laurance

A surname derived from the Latin name "Laurentius", meaning "from Laurentum."

In the 1881 census there were 796 people recorded with the Laurance surname, ranking it #4,675 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 98, ranked #31,470, down from #4,675 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, St Pancras and Yardley Hastings. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bexley, Corby and Kettering.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Laurance is 796 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 87.7%.

1881 census count

796

Ranked #4,675

Modern count

98

2016, ranked #31,470

Peak year

1881

796 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 1911

Key insights

  • Laurance had 796 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,675 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 98 in 2016, ranked #31,470.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 796 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Laurance surname distribution map

The map shows where the Laurance surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Laurance surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Laurance over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 500 #5,001
1861 historical 786 #3,507
1881 historical 796 #4,675
1891 historical 645 #6,016
1901 historical 328 #10,943
1911 historical 324 #10,814
1997 modern 92 #28,079
1998 modern 94 #28,435
1999 modern 94 #28,593
2000 modern 96 #28,299
2001 modern 101 #27,252
2002 modern 101 #27,766
2003 modern 94 #28,686
2004 modern 102 #27,637
2005 modern 99 #28,177
2006 modern 93 #29,411
2007 modern 95 #29,493
2008 modern 99 #29,181
2009 modern 96 #30,239
2010 modern 103 #29,780
2011 modern 100 #30,058
2012 modern 88 #32,064
2013 modern 102 #30,415
2014 modern 103 #30,539
2015 modern 96 #31,624
2016 modern 98 #31,470

Geography

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Where Laurances are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, St Pancras, Yardley Hastings and St Mary Islington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bexley, Corby, Kettering and Babergh. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 St Pancras London (North Districts)
4 Yardley Hastings Northamptonshire
5 St Mary Islington London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bexley 016 Bexley
2 Corby 006 Corby
3 Kettering 004 Kettering
4 Babergh 007 Babergh
5 Bexley 020 Bexley

Forenames

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First names often paired with Laurance

These lists show first names that appear often with the Laurance surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Laurance

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Laurance, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Laurance surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Laurance household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Laurance is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Laurance is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Laurance falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Laurance is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Laurance, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Laurance

The surname Laurance originates from France and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum," an ancient city in Italy. The name was brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Laurance can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled as "Lorence." This was a common spelling variation during that time period. The name was also associated with the town of Laurence in Somerset, England, which was listed as "Lauuarenc" in the Domesday Book.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various historical records, including the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it was spelled as "Laurence." During this time, the name was also associated with the town of Laurencekirk in Scotland, which was formerly known as "Laurencekirk."

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Laurance was Sir Walter Laurance, a knight who lived in the 14th century. He was a prominent landowner in Gloucestershire and served as a member of Parliament.

Another notable individual with the surname Laurance was John Laurance, who was born in 1498 and became a renowned English clergyman and scholar. He served as the President of St. John's College, Oxford, and published several works on theology and philosophy.

In the 16th century, the name Laurance was also associated with the town of Laurencekirk in Scotland, where it was spelled as "Lawrenckirk." One of the most famous individuals from this area was Alexander Laurance, who was born in 1567 and became a prominent merchant and landowner.

During the 17th century, the surname Laurance was found in various parts of England, including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. One notable individual from this period was Sir Edward Laurance, who was born in 1612 and served as a Member of Parliament for Oxford.

In the 18th century, the name Laurance was also found in the American colonies, where it was spelled as "Lawrence." One of the most famous individuals with this surname was Captain James Lawrence, who was born in 1781 and became a renowned naval officer during the War of 1812. He is best known for his famous last words, "Don't give up the ship!"

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Laurance families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Laurance surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 105 Laurances recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.36x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 105 1.36x
Staffordshire 63 2.42x
Warwickshire 46 2.37x
Cornwall 42 4.81x
Leicestershire 42 4.92x
Essex 40 2.63x
Kent 36 1.37x
Northamptonshire 32 4.41x
Lancashire 29 0.32x
Gloucestershire 28 1.85x
Nottinghamshire 23 2.21x
Norfolk 22 1.86x
Suffolk 22 2.34x
Aberdeenshire 21 2.94x
Pembrokeshire 21 8.57x
Yorkshire 19 0.25x
Sussex 18 1.39x
Worcestershire 15 1.49x
Surrey 14 0.37x
Devon 11 0.69x
Durham 11 0.48x
Lincolnshire 11 0.89x
Huntingdonshire 10 6.54x
Bedfordshire 8 2.00x
Cheshire 8 0.47x
Hertfordshire 8 1.51x
Somerset 8 0.64x
Banffshire 7 4.38x
Derbyshire 7 0.58x
Dunbartonshire 7 3.38x
Monmouthshire 7 1.26x
Perthshire 7 2.02x
Oxfordshire 6 1.26x
Angus 5 0.70x
Cambridgeshire 5 1.02x
Lanarkshire 4 0.16x
Berkshire 3 0.52x
Dorset 3 0.59x
Herefordshire 3 0.95x
Buckinghamshire 2 0.43x
Hampshire 2 0.13x
Midlothian 2 0.19x
Shropshire 2 0.30x
Glamorgan 1 0.07x
Montgomeryshire 1 0.57x
Northumberland 1 0.09x
Orkney 1 1.18x
Stirlingshire 1 0.35x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Islington London in Middlesex leads with 24 Laurances recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.21x.

Place Total Index
Islington London 24 3.21x
Gnosall 22 350.32x
Yardley Hastings 22 707.40x
St Issells 21 405.41x
Kirkby Mallory Earl 18 439.02x
Wolstanton 18 22.78x
St Pancras London 17 2.74x
Ash Next Sandwich 15 257.73x
Boyton 15 1485.15x
Walthamstow 13 23.74x
Birmingham 12 1.85x
Powick 12 172.17x
Dunchurch 11 415.09x
Sutton In Ashfield 11 48.80x
Fulham London 10 8.95x
Horsley 10 149.48x
Aston 9 1.68x
Fraserburgh 9 44.80x
Ibstock 9 144.93x
Leicester St Margaret 9 4.32x
Orrell 9 79.16x
St George Hanover Square 9 6.63x
Stratford St Mary 9 671.64x
Great Yarmouth 8 8.15x
Hopwood 8 66.95x
Kensington London 8 1.87x
Linkinhorne 8 131.58x
Luton 8 11.58x
Norton Canes 8 84.39x
Stilton 8 467.84x
West Ham 8 2.38x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 7 5.24x
Bedwellty 7 7.12x
Dumbarton 7 24.29x
Illogan 7 30.30x
Shoreditch London 7 2.10x
Birkenhead 6 4.42x
Bristol St Peter 6 110.91x
Dovercourt 6 112.15x
Hackney London 6 1.39x
Hartlepool 6 18.42x
Horninglow 6 48.98x
Mapperley 6 526.32x
Muckhart 6 375.00x
Nottingham St Mary 6 2.23x
Rathven 6 19.98x
Redruth 6 24.31x
St Marylebone London 6 1.46x
Teynham 6 126.58x
Walsall Foreign 6 4.47x
Burham 5 137.74x
Littlehampton 5 48.22x
Plymouth St Andrew 5 4.05x
Southwark St George Martyr 5 3.22x
Tannadice 5 150.60x
Tottenham 5 4.07x
Warmington 5 274.73x
Warrington 5 4.61x
Worksop 5 16.23x
Bexhill 4 61.73x
Bolehall Glascote 4 48.60x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 4 2.81x
Carleton Rode 4 195.12x
East Stonehouse 4 12.66x
Ely Holy Trinity St Mary 4 18.79x
Foleshill 4 19.56x
Peterhead 4 10.60x
Scotter 4 141.84x
St Martin In Meneage 4 380.95x
Stamford Baron St Martin 4 103.09x
Stockton On Tees 4 3.62x
Butleigh 3 147.06x
Chigwell 3 20.89x
Clapham 3 3.11x
Ipswich St Margaret 3 9.42x
Osmotherley 3 123.46x
St Albans St Michael 3 50.51x
Stourbridge 3 11.59x
Westham 3 113.21x
Woolland 3 937.50x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Laurance surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 54
Elizabeth 34
Sarah 22
Eliza 21
Jane 15
Ada 11
Alice 9
Ann 9
Annie 9
Ellen 9
Emma 9
Emily 8
Louisa 7
Maria 6
Rose 6
Charlotte 5
Edith 5
Fanny 5
Anne 4
Hannah 4
Harriet 4
Jessie 4
Mabel 4
Rosa 4
Amelia 3
Beatrice 3
Catherine 3
Florance 3
Gertrude 3
Kate 3
Laura 3
Ruth 3
Sophia 3
Agnes 2
Amy 2
Caroline 2
E. 2
Ethel 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Hariett 2
Harriett 2
Henrietta 2
Isabella 2
Julia 2
Keziah 2
Lowisa 2
Margaret 2
Martha 2
Minnie 2

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Laurance surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 54
John 46
George 28
James 23
Thomas 23
Henry 21
Arthur 12
Joseph 10
Albert 9
Charles 9
Edward 9
Robert 9
Frederick 8
Richard 7
Alfred 6
Samuel 6
Walter 6
Harry 5
Daniel 3
Edwin 3
Aaron 2
Benjamin 2
Lewis 2
Archibald 1
Arther 1
Berham 1
Burty 1
Calver 1
Charley 1
Chas.W. 1
Edmond 1
Elija 1
Ephiam 1
Ernest 1
Ezra 1
Federick 1
Francis 1
Frederic 1
Geo. 1
Ivo 1
J. 1
Jabez 1
Jacob 1
Job 1
Joel 1
Johnston 1
Lionel 1
Marshall 1
Martin 1
Wm.Henry 1

FAQ

Laurance surname: questions and answers

How common was the Laurance surname in 1881?

In 1881, 796 people were recorded with the Laurance surname. That placed it at #4,675 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Laurance surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 98 in 2016. That gives Laurance a modern rank of #31,470.

What does the Laurance surname mean?

A surname derived from the Latin name "Laurentius", meaning "from Laurentum."

What does the Laurance map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Laurance bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.