Lavrenti

Lavrenti is a masculine given name of Slavic origin. It is a variant form of Lavrentiy and ultimately derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “from Laurentum” or “laurelled.” The name appears in several Slavic languages, including Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ukrainian, and is commonly transliterated as Lavrenty, Lavrentiy, or Lavrenti.

In historical and onomastic contexts, Lavrenti is primarily associated with Eastern Europe and the former Soviet sphere, where different transliterations reflect linguistic practices rather than distinct names.

Notable bearers include Lavrenty Pavlovich Beria (1899–1953), a Soviet politician and security administrator who headed the NKVD during Stalin's era. Beria was a prominent figure in the Soviet security apparatus and played a key role in state security and political repression; following Stalin’s death, he was arrested and executed in 1953 during the process of de-Stalinization.

Today, Lavrenti remains a traditional historical given name in some Slavic communities, though it is relatively uncommon in contemporary usage outside historical references and literature.