Lauritsen is a Danish patronymic surname meaning "son of Laurits." The given name Laurits itself is a Danish and Norwegian form of Laurence 1, which ultimately derives from the Latin laurus meaning "laurel." EtymologyThe surname Lauritsen follows the typical Scandinavian patronymic pattern of adding -sen (son of) to the father's name. In Denmark, such surnames became hereditary around the 19th century, replacing earlier changing patronymics. The root name Laurits is equivalent to English Laurence or Lawrence, names that have been common across Europe due to the popularity of Saint Laurence, a 3rd-century martyr. The surname Laursen is a variant of the same origin, using the common Danish shortening Laurs for Laurits. Notable BearersNotable individuals with the surname Lauritsen include the Danish-American physicist Charles Christian Lauritsen (1892–1968), a key figure in early rocket development and nuclear physics; a crater on the Moon is named after him. Other bearers include Danish merchant Børge Johannes Lauritsen, American criminologist Janet Lauritsen, and Danish footballer Rasmus Lauritsen. Cultural ContextLauritsen is most commonly found in Denmark and among Danish diaspora communities. Variations of this patronymic exist in other Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian Lauritsen (identical spelling) and Swedish forms like Larsson, reflecting the widespread use of Laurentius-derived names. Meaning: Son of Laurits Origin: Danish Type: Patronymic surname Usage Regions: Denmark, Danish diaspora