What is the meaning and origin of the British surname, Laurie?

Answer 1

As already noted, there are many theories and many possible origins of the name, not to mention many variants. However, the Laurie Tartan Company includes this tidbit among their facts:
"The most frequently held belief is that Laurie is a diminutive of Laurence, which in turn is thought to derive from the Latin Laurentius meaning "of Laurentum". It is also commonly ascribed the meaning "laurel crowned" or "victorious"."

Answer 2

Hey lacaballister,

I have it as Scottish, from Dumfriesshire - according to Swyrich.com:

Origin: Scottish

Spelling variations of this family name include: Lawrie, Laurie, Larrie, Larry, Laurie, Laury, Lawry, Lowrie and many more.

First found in Dumfriesshire where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Laurie settled in New York in 1820; John, Robert and William Laurie all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Thomas Lawrey settled in Virginia in 1650.

From Family Search, this record is older than others in the DB, and most old come from Scotland.
3. Agnes LAURIE - Ancestral File
Gender: F Birth/Christening: Abt 1672 Of Maxwelton, Glencairn, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Someone else will have to help you with the meaning, or you can use the engine below: