Lars is the Scandinavian short form of Laurentius, the Latin name meaning "from Laurentum", an ancient town whose name is linked to laurus, the "laurel" of victory wreaths. It is one of the most common men's names in Sweden, Norway and Denmark; Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is its best-known bearer in America. Lars stood at number 1103 in 2000 and has settled around number 1900 since, ranking number 1897 in 2025.