As for
Dixie, I see it as completely unusable. In the north, the word dixie doesn't have the greatest connotations and it just wouldn't be viewed that highly.
I like
Laurence, originally I liked
Lawrence more because it's my dad's middle name and
Laurence seemed more stuffy but it's grown on me. I like
Laurie as a nn for a guy but I can see how that can be kind of confusing in this day and age. I would use either as a middle name.
Also I know a
Laurence that simply goes by
Laurence so there's no need for a nickname if you don't want one. Either way, I think
Ren works and isn't a stretch at all.