The nameLars

Lars is the Scandinavian form of Laurence. It is short, solid and very Nordic.

Meaning

Lars comes from Laurentius, "man from Laurentum", a town near Rome.

Origin

Scandinavian, from Latin.

History

In the United States Lars reached 737th place in 1961. In England and Wales its best rank since 1996 is 1110th, in 1998.

Famous people named Lars

Popularity of the name Lars

Lars in the United States

2238thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2000peak year (127 births)
6,949babies named Lars in the United States since 1880
064127 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Lars was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 1,135 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Lars. Its rise began around 1914, and it peaked in 2000. Half of all babies named Lars in the United States were born before 1987, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 74 births a year on average, against 89 in the five years before.

Lars in Belgium

125thmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2009peak year (345 births)
6,239babies named Lars in Belgium since 1995
0173345 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Lars was most popular in Belgium in the 2010s, with 2,522 births over the decade, 40% of all recorded babies named Lars. Half of all babies named Lars in Belgium were born before 2010, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 107 births a year on average, against 207 in the five years before.

Lars in Switzerland

98thmost popular boys' name in Switzerland in 2025
2002peak year (199 births)
3,384babies named Lars in Switzerland since 2000
0100199 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Lars in Austria

247thmost popular boys' name in Austria in 2025
2008peak year (29 births)
527babies named Lars in Austria since 1984
01529 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Lars in Norway

91stmost popular boys' name in Norway in 2025
1971peak year (675 births)
30,384babies named Lars in Norway since 1945
0338675 1960198020002020
Births per year in Norway. Source: Statistics Norway (SSB), table 10467.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Lars

Names from the same generation as Lars, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Lars? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Lars with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Lars side by side with the name of your choice.

Lars in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lars mean?

Lars comes from Laurentius, "man from Laurentum", a town near Rome.

What is the origin of the name Lars?

Scandinavian, from Latin.

Is Lars a girl's or a boy's name?

Lars is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Lars?

In 2024, Lars was the 2238th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 64 births.

What are the variants of the name Lars?

Variants and related names of Lars include Laurent.

What are good sibling names for Lars?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Sonja, Janna, Annalisa and Ilana for a sister, Stephan, Edmond, Ervin and Donnie for a brother.

Who are famous people named Lars?

Lars Ulrich, drummer; Lars von Trier, film director.