Surname Lawrie - Meaning and Origin
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Lawrie: What does the surname Lawrie mean?
The surname Lawrie is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the old Norman personal name, Laurence, which comes from the Latin "Laurentius" translating to "a man from Laurentium", a town in Italy noted for its lush vegetation (hence the further inference of laurel). Hence, it symbolizes someone crowned with laurel as a mark of distinction or someone who came from the place of laurel trees. The name was popular in medieval Europe due to St. Laurence, a 3rd-century martyr from Rome. As a surname, the forms Lawrie or Laurie became popular in Scotland and Northern England. The surname may also be related to the Norman French 'de Laber Wr'. This habitational name, widespread in Normandy, translates as "dweller by the ruins".
Order DNA origin analysisLawrie: Where does the name Lawrie come from?
The surname Lawrie is of Scottish origin, stemming from the personal name Lawrence. The name Lawrence came from Latin Laurentius, ‘man from Laurentum’ a town in Italy. In Scotland, it took the form of Lawrie, and it is prevalent in regions where Scottish clans have settled.
Traditionally, the Lawrie name was common in the Lowlands region of Scotland. Notable Scottish Lawrie families have traced their heritage back to places such as Perthshire, where the family possessed lands in the 12th century.
Today, the Lawrie surname is found commonly in Scotland, Northern England, Australia, Canada, US, and New Zealand, essentially in nations that have experienced significant Scottish and British migration. According to surname distribution data, it is most common in Scotland itself, and South East England.
Though it is not one of the most common surnames, the presence of people carrying the Lawrie surname outside Britain clearly reflects a part of the wider diaspora of Scottish and British people worldwide.
Variations of the surname Lawrie
The surname Lawrie has various spelling variations and could be rooted from different origins. Some of the variant forms of this surname are Laurie, Laurel, Lauri, Lourie, Lawry, Laurey, Lawer, Laury, Lowery, and Laurier.
It's essential to note that the spelling of a surname could change over time and can be influenced by different factors such as culture, language, and regional accents. Hence, the surname Lawrie might take on different renderings not listed here.
In terms of origins, this surname is regarded to have Scottish roots, particularly associated with the ancient Scottish clan MacLaren. It could also derive from the personal names Lawrence or Laurence. Additionally, it might have French origins, stemming from the French word 'laure', meaning laurel.
However, these variations and origins should be sought and confirmed through personal genealogical research as surnames can tell a complicated history that varies from family to family. Despite having the same spelling, two families might have different origins and stories linked to their surnames. The same goes for families with different surname spellings; cultural and language influences could have led to different renditions of the same original surname.
Famous people with the name Lawrie
- Brett Lawrie: A Canadian professional baseball infielder who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox.
- Paul Lawrie: A retired Scottish professional golfer who is best known for winning The Open Championship in 1999. He was also a member of the European Ryder Cup Team in 1999 and 2012.
- Fiona Lawrie: An Australian rules footballer who played in the AFL Women's (AFLW) for the Western Bulldogs.
- Marion Lawrie: Known as Mairi Mhor nan Oran, she was a renowned Scottish Gaelic poet.
- Chad Lawrie: A Canadian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Pacific FC.
- Arlene Lawrie: She is a Scottish curler and world champion, having played as alternate for the world champion team in 2002.
- Neil Lawrie: A professional Rugby League footballer in the 1980s and '90s, he played at club level for Dewsbury, Wakefield Trinity (captain), and Featherstone Rovers, as a hooker.
- Christopher Lawrie: An Australian contemporary classical composer, social realist and surrealist artist.