Laurens is a masculine Dutch given name, the equivalent of Laurence or Lawrence. It is derived from the Roman cognomen Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum" — an ancient Italian city whose name likely comes from Latin laurus (laurel). The name gained popularity due to Saint Laurence, a 3rd-century deacon and martyr from Rome who was famously roasted alive on a gridiron for refusing to hand over church treasures, instead presenting the sick and poor. His story and status made the name widespread across Christian Europe, especially in the Netherlands. Notable Bearers Several notable Dutch figures bear the name Laurens. Laurens Janszoon Coster (c. 1370–c. 1440) is often credited as an early European printer, possibly a rival of Gutenberg. Laurens de Graaf (c. 1653–c. 1704) was a Dutch pirate and naval officer who operated in the Caribbean. In modern times, Laurens Jan Anjema (born 1982) is a professional squash player, and Laurens ten Dam (born 1980) is a road racing cyclist. Outside the Netherlands, Laurens Hammond (1895–1973), inventor of the Hammond organ, shares the name. Variants and Related Names Variants of Laurens across languages include Lars (Scandinavian), Laurentius (Latin), and Lourens (Afrikaans). Dutch diminutives include Lau and Rens. Surname descendants such as Lauwens and Lauwers are common in Dutch-speaking regions. Meaning: "from Laurentum" (Latin laurus, "laurel") Origin: Roman cognomen Laurentius Type: First name Usage regions: Netherlands, Dutch-speaking world