Lars
Lars is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Crowned with laurel; derived from Laurentum.
Origin and history
Lars is the Scandinavian form of Laurence, derived from the Latin term for someone from Laurentum or crowned with laurel. It has a steady, classic history in Northern Europe and maintains a consistent, modest presence in the United States. Its crisp sound gives it a distinct and timeless Nordic quality.
Popularity in the United States
7,035 babies in the United States have been named Lars since 1880. It ranks #1434 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1477.
States where it is most popular
- CA (32.9 %)
- NY (13.2 %)
- MN (11.2 %)
- WA (10.3 %)
- IL (5.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 22 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 8 |
| 1910-1920 | 99 |
| 1920-1930 | 139 |
| 1930-1940 | 153 |
| 1940-1950 | 215 |
| 1950-1960 | 500 |
| 1960-1970 | 876 |
| 1970-1980 | 826 |
| 1980-1990 | 815 |
| 1990-2000 | 918 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,136 |
| 2010-2019 | 869 |
| 2020-2029 | 454 |
Famous people named Lars
- Lars Ulrich: Musician, Drummer
- Lars von Trier: Film Director, Screenwriter
Fun facts
- Lars is one of the most traditionally widespread male given names across Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
- Although firmly associated with Nordic culture, Lars originated as a shortened northern adaptation of the Latin name Laurentius.