Larson

Meaning & origin

Larson is a patronymic surname turned given name, reflecting a widespread trend in the English-speaking world. Originating in Scandinavia, the name derives from Lars, a form of Lawrence, and thus carries the meaning 'son of Lars.' As a first name, Larson first appeared in U.S. records in 1917, but for decades remained rare. Its trajectory shifted in the mid-1980s, and since 1985 the name has been steadily rising in usage. By 2023 it reached its peak rank of 2,604, and in 2025 it continues to be given to roughly 1 in 34,162 male newborns. The name is most popular in Pennsylvania, its top state. With its solid, surname-as-first-name style, Larson fits alongside similar choices like Hudson and Carter, appealing to parents seeking a name with Scandinavian roots and a contemporary feel.

Larson is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Lars, itself a Scandinavian form of Lawrence (from Latin Laurentius, 'from Laurentum'). The surname arose in Denmark and Norway, with early bearers recorded in medieval records. As a given name, Larson is a modern adoption typical of the English-speaking world's trend of using surnames as first names, a practice that gained momentum in the 19th century and accelerated in the 20th.