What do you think of Lars?

[Gingernut81]

My OH & I really love the name Lars is baby's a boy but we're a bit worried it sounds a bit too out there!

The other options are Sebastian or Rafe. Any opinions?!

[CarriesBucketOfBlood]

I like it but I don't think you can use it without a connection to Scandinavia without sounding like a complete mumsnet arse.

The British version is Lawrence I think, what about that?
Sebastian is lovely, Rafe is awful.
Henry, Alfie/ Alfred, Oscar, George, James come to mind as alternatives.

[StevieJo]

Im sorry but honestly I think of the SARS virus and the goofy character from the movie mouse hunt. I think Lawrence is a nice alternative and he can go by Lars. I also like Sebastian and Rafe.

[Kampeki]

I think of The Bullerby Children. :)

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I don't like Lars - it makes me think of Mars bars. Also, what's your last name? Lars Eklund sounds OK. Lars Shufflebottom not so much

Rafe - is hideous If you must, please can you spell it Ralph. Rafe looks to me like people don't know how to spell the name so are doing it phonetically

Sebastian is lovely!

[CocoChanelsMa]

I know a Lars. He's in his 30's and a lovely guy who likes parties.

He is Norwegian though, and it's likely that people will think you have a Nordic connection.

[pinkyredrose]

Ok if you're Danish.

[BreeVDKamp]

I know a Swedish Lars, Lasse for 'short', and apparently it's the equivalent of Derek/Ian and no baby would be called it today.

Although if you hav Scandinavian links, which I guess you do, you would know if that's the case better than I do

[VeryPunny]

I really quite like it but as a PP said, depends on your surname.

[Ifiwasabadger]

i know 3, they are all scandinavian. i don't dislike it, but not mad about it TBH.

[Creak]

I like it, OP, but it makes me think of Lars Ulrich from Metallica!

[SmugairleRoin]

Hmm. I don't mind it, it's ok. Certainly different anyway!

I would be very surprised if there was no Scandi connection! Like a pp said, Lawrence/Laurence (prefer Laurence myself) with Lars as a nickname is possible.

[horsewalksintoabar]

Love it...beautiful for a boy, delicious for a man. Lars...Nils, love those names. Johan, Jonas (Yonas), Aksel, Emil, Otto...
But yes, I love Lars

[Squooshed]

I think of Lars Mikkelsen and then I have a bit of a swoon.

[Squooshed]

Rafe - is hideous If you must, please can you spell it Ralph. Rafe looks to me like people don't know how to spell the name so are doing it phonetically

Actually Rafe pre-dates Ralph. Ralph only appeared in the 18th century.

[chelle792]

Lars is a nice name. It makes me think of the movie Lars and the real girl though

[Lweji]

Nothing against it, but people will probably ask you all the time about your Scandinavian heritage.

[reuset]

What Lweji said about Lars.

Rafe is good, that spelling.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

OK squoosh

But I still think it looks like a weird Shakesperuan spelling of ye olde ancient name

[Squooshed]

I'm going to call you Ye Olde Gobbælino from now on!

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

That's any name change sorted!

[mrsschu]

Lars is also common in Germany. I know two, both German, both in their late 30s. Haven't heard it used for any babies nowadays but that may not bother you!

[MamaLazarou]

I absolutely love it.

[fairyfeatures]

Love it!

[LikeABadSethRogenMovie]

I think of Lars and The Real Girl too. I like it but I'm married to a Scandinavian!

[Gingernut81]

Well, who knew a name could be so controversial! :)
We have no scandi connections, just like the name! Didn't realise Rafe was such a hit & miss one either! Hopefully it'll be a girl & then we can avoid it :)