Meaning: Its source is Laurentius, a Latin name meaning "Man from Laurentum."

Alternative Spellings: Lorin and Lorrin

Popularity: The name Loren ranked 376th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: The ancient city of Laurentum was located in present-day Italy. It probably got its name from the laurel bush, an important plant to the people of ancient times, who fashioned triumphant garlands from its branches.

Meaning: Its source is Laura, an English name meaning "The laurel shrub."

Variant Forms: Lorene and Lorine

Popularity: The name Loren ranked 924th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 1285th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Film director Howard Hawks popularized this form of the name by suggesting it as a stage name for the actress born Betty Jean Perske, thereafter known to the world as Lauren Bacall.