Larson
A patronymic surname meaning “son of Lars,” with Scandinavian roots and strong use in America through immigrant families.
The #247 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,519 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Larson is a patronymic surname built from the given name Lars, the Scandinavian form of Lawrence. The name literally means “son of Lars,” with the ending -son marking descent. In older English references it sometimes appears alongside related forms such as Larkins and Lawson, but the core Scandinavian structure is clear.
History
Larson became especially common in North America through Swedish and Norwegian immigration, where patronymic names were widely used and often kept as fixed family surnames. It is now a well-established surname in the United States, especially in regions with strong Scandinavian settlement. The spelling Larson is the standardized English form, while Larsen is a very common Danish and Norwegian cognate.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Larson and Larsen are close cousins: both mean the same thing, but Larson is more typical in Swedish and American usage, while Larsen is especially common in Danish and Norwegian families.
From the historical record
“in the seventh century, made the same familiar in England. Besides ' Lawson,' we have ' Larkins ' and ' Larson.' In the lines already quoted relative to Wat Tyler's insurrection, it is said — Larkin ct in medio, non minor esse putat. The French diminutive occurs also. An 'Andrew”
— English Surnames: their sources and significations