Noah Boy
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#2
Lars
BoyScandinavian, Latin· “from Laurentum; form of Lawrence”
- Meaning
- from Laurentum; form of Lawrence
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LAHRZ
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,897
- US babies 2025
- 83
- Best rank
- #737 (1961)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Lars
Lars is a Scandinavian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Laurentum; form of Lawrence”.
Scandinavians shortened the Latin Laurentius, the name that became Lawrence in English, to Lars. Laurentius means from Laurentum, a town in ancient Italy whose name is often linked to the laurel tree. Lars has been a common name in Sweden, Norway and Denmark for centuries, and it is often associated with a solid, dependable character. The name is short, crisp and easy to say, with a distinctly Nordic flavor. Lasse is a common Scandinavian nickname for Lars.
Popularity over time
Lars first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #737 in 1961, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 128 were named Lars. In 2025, 83 babies were named Lars, and it ranked #1,897 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,289 in 1920, #1,244 in 1950, #903 in 1980, #1,103 in 2000, #1,722 in 2010, and #1,897 in 2025. Of the 7,035 US boys named Lars since records began, 16% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 918 babies. Since 2010, 1,323 more have been named Lars.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Mohamad, Chancellor, Kalob, Payne, and Caelan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lars ranked highest in Minnesota, Washington, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #615 | 8 |
| Washington | #665 | 10 |
| Utah | #763 | 5 |
| California | #1926 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lars is usually pronounced LAHRZ, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-rs”.
Middle names for Lars
A few middle names that flow with Lars: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lars
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Lists that include Lars
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lars mean?
Lars is a Scandinavian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Laurentum; form of Lawrence”.
What is the origin of the name Lars?
Lars has Scandinavian and Latin roots. Scandinavians shortened the Latin Laurentius, the name that became Lawrence in English, to Lars.
Is Lars a popular name?
Not especially. Lars ranked #1,897 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lars a boy or girl name?
Lars is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lars?
Lars is usually pronounced LAHRZ. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings