What is the origin of surname Larsen?

The surname Larsen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Danish. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a father's given name.

Here's how it works:

* Lars is a common Scandinavian given name, often shortened from "Laurentius" (Latin for "laurel").

* -sen is a Danish patronymic suffix, meaning "son of".

Therefore, Larsen literally means "son of Lars".

Variations:

* Larsson is the Swedish equivalent of Larsen.

* Larse is a less common Danish variant.

Prevalence:

The surname Larsen is common in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries. It is also found in countries with significant Scandinavian ancestry, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.