Florence

Florence derives from the Latin name Florentia, itself from florens, meaning blooming or flourishing, related to the root flos, meaning flower. The name was borne by an early Christian martyr and became widely used across medieval Europe. It gained particular prominence in the English-speaking world through Florence Nightingale, the celebrated nineteenth-century nurse, who was named after the Italian city of Florence, itself derived from the same Latin root. Related forms include the French Florencio, Spanish and Portuguese Florencia, and the shortened variant Flo.