Gender Feminine & Masculine
Pronounced Pron. FLAWR-əns(English) FLAW-RAHNS(French)  [key·IPA]

Meaning & History

From the Latin name Florentius or the feminine form Florentia, which were derived from florens "prosperous, flourishing". Florentius was borne by many early Christian saints, and it was occasionally used in their honour through the Middle Ages. In modern times it is mostly feminine.

The name can also be given in reference to the city in Italy, as in the case of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). She was a nurse in British hospitals during the Crimean War and is usually considered the founder of modern nursing.

Related Names

DiminutivesFlo, Florrie, Florry, Flossie, Floella(English)
Masculine FormFlorent(French)
Other Languages & CulturesFloor, Floris(Dutch) Fiorenza, Fiorenzo(Italian) Florentia, Florentius(Late Roman) Florência, Florêncio, Flor(Portuguese) Florencia, Florencio, Flor(Spanish)

Popularity

People think this name is

classic   mature   formal   upper class   wholesome   refined   strange   serious  

Name Days

France: December 1

Images

Florence Nightingale (c. 1860)Florence Nightingale (c. 1860)

Categories

Entry updated July 2, 2017