Larson

Larson is a surname of Scandinavian origin, derived from the given name Lars with the patronymic suffix -son, meaning "son of Lars." Lars is a Nordic form of Laurentius, and the name has been used across Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish communities. The spelling Larson is the Anglicized variant most common in North America, reflecting historical migration and assimilation.

In Nordic countries, the equivalent forms are Larsen in Danish and Norwegian and Larsson in Swedish. The surname Larson spread widely with emigration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming part of the cultural mosaic of the United States and Canada. Today it is a common surname across diverse regions and communities, not tied to a single family or lineage.

Related Nordic names include Larsen and Larsson, which differ mainly in spelling by country. The Americanized Larson often coexists with these variants, reflecting different migration paths and transliteration practices. The name is also found as a given name occasionally, especially in families where it is used as a middle or first name.

Geographic namesakes include towns and places named Larson in North America, as well as streets and institutions bearing the surname. In literature and media, Larson appears as a surname for fictional characters and in titles, reflecting the name's integration into popular culture. The surname Larson continues to be one of the many common Scandinavian-derived names in the English-speaking world.