Of Latin origin.
From the Latin name Florentia, feminine form of Florentius.
Derives from the Latin verb “floreo”, meaning flourish, bloom, prosper.
Several early Christian saints were named Florentius.
Saint Florentia of Agde, was a Roman saint who martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
It is also associated with the Italian city, Florentia.
It was a popular name at the early decades of the 20th century and it made a comeback after the success of the rock band “Florence + the Machine” and their lead singer’s Florence Welch popularity.
Other forms of the name are: Florentine, Flo, Florice, Florrie.
Famous bearers are Florence Nightingale, Florence Ballard, Florence Welch, Florence Henderson, Florence Joyner, Florence Thomassin, Florence Reece, Florence Schelling, Florence Stanley, Florence Mills.
Florence Welch is an English singer and songwriter, lead vocalist of the “Florence + the Machine” band.
Since they formed, in 2007, they have won several music awards, and their latest album “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is nominated for 2016’s Grammy Awards.