Laurence definition

From the name of a third century Roman martyr, , "a person from Laurentum", the place name possibly derived from .

~1591 William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene IV

Romeo: Bid her devise / Some means to come to shrift this afternoon; / And there she shall at Friar Laurence' cell / Be shriv'd and married.
1835 Mary Shelley, Lodore, Wallis&Newell 1835, page 30:

"I will do any thing, however impossible, if you will only not call me Mr Hervey. Why am I not Laurence to you - Miss Vivian calls me Laurence - I am Laurence to every one but you - let me hear you call me Laurence," in an earnest manner.