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Origin and meaning of the name Marie-laurence

What is the origin of the name Marie-laurence?

Marie-Laurence is a bilingual French name, combining the names Marie and Laurence. The name Marie has Germanic origins, derived from the name Maria, which comes from the Latin Marianus, meaning "of Mary" or "star of the sea." The name became popular in France during the Middle Ages due to its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Laurence is a Latin name that means "laurel," a plant known for its evergreen leaves and symbolizing victory and honor. In Christianity, Saint Lawrence is one of the most renowned saints, known for his martyrdom under Emperor Valerian in the third century AD. He is the patron saint of cooks, chefs, and students, among others. The combination of Marie and Laurence creates a unique bilingual name that reflects both the Germanic and Latin influences on French culture. This practice of combining names is common in many European countries, particularly France.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Marie-laurence

Marie-Laurence is a bilingual French given name, combining the names Marie and Laurence. The name Marie derives from the Latin Maria, which means "drops of water" or "resembling Mountaries," a title given to the Virgin Mary. It was very popular in Western Christianity due to the veneration of Mary. On the other hand, Laurence, also derived from Latin, comes from Laurentius, a Roman name that means "crowned with laurel." In Christian tradition, Saint Lawrence is revered as a martyr and is associated with miracles involving bread and food. The combination of Marie-Laurence creates a unique, elegant name that honors both the Virgin Mary and a significant saint in Christian history. Its origin reflects the blending of French language and culture with religious traditions.

Character traits associated with the name Marie-laurence

Marie-Laurence is often perceived as a composed and thoughtful individual. She demonstrates a strong sense of determination, consistently striving for excellence in her pursuits. Her empathetic nature allows her to connect deeply with others, making her an effective communicator and collaborator. Marie-Laurence is known for her analytical mind, approaching challenges logically and systematically. She values openness, honesty, and integrity, traits that earn her the trust of those around her. Despite her serious demeanor, she also possesses a playful side, which adds warmth to her interactions with others. Overall, Marie-Laurence is a reliable and intellectual individual who combines intelligence, empathy, and determination in her daily life.

Popularity of the name Marie-laurence

Marie-Laurence is a French name consisting of two separate names, Marie and Laurence, both of which have historical significance and popularity. Marie, derived from the Latin "Maria," has been a popular female name for centuries due to its association with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. On the other hand, Laurence originates from the Roman name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurus," a type of laurel tree.

In terms of popularity, Marie-Laurence is relatively uncommon compared to individual names Marie or Laurence in France and other French-speaking countries, but it still maintains a presence in the namescape. According to data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), Marie was the most popular female name in France between 1860 and 2005, while Laurence peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 70s, but has since declined. The combination of Marie-Laurence follows a similar trend, experiencing its peak of popularity around the same time as Laurence, but with less frequency overall.

Famous people with the name Marie-laurence

Marie-Laurence is a name that has been associated with several prominent figures across various fields. In literature, Marie-Laure Blanchard (born 1946) is a renowned French author, known for her works such as "Le Dernier Souper" and "Un Eté à Memphis." Another significant figure is Marie-Laurence Chenel (1923-2017), a French actress who gained recognition for her roles in films like "The 400 Blows," "Cleo from 5 to 7," and "Breathless." In the realm of science, Marie-Laurence Deschamps is a Canadian astrophysicist known for her work on dark matter. Lastly, Marie-Laurence Engelborghs (born 1963) is a Belgian psychologist and professor at Ghent University, specializing in social and developmental psychology. These women have all made substantial contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility of the name Marie-Laurence.

Variations of the name Marie-laurence

Marie-Laurence is a bilingual (French and English) given name, consisting of two parts: Marie, a French form of Maria, a Latin name meaning "bitter" or "rebellious", and Laurence, an English form of Laurentius, a Roman name derived from laurus, meaning "laurel". Variations of this name in English include Marion, which is another form of Marie, and Lauren, a diminutive of Laurence. In French, the variations can include Maison (from Marie) and Laurence itself. A popular variation with a slightly different order is Laurie-Marie, combining elements from both names. Other French variations might include Marlène or Laraïne, derived from Marie and Laurence respectively.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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