Laurence nn Lars

[Endoftetherweather]

We like this name for a boy, despite being slightly put off by despicable rent-an-outrage Laurence Fox.

We really like the nn Lars, rather than Loz or Laurie. Does it feel a bit too contrived? We’re in NW England with no links to Scandinavia.

Other contenders are Rafael (but we’re very much English) and Gabriel (we’re in no way religious). Not easy this naming malachy!!

There are so many names from other cultures that just became absorbed into the English naming cultures that are not even recognized as remotely unusual: Linda, Michelle, Isabella, Maureen, Jasmine, Kai, Dara and the most popular name in the UK for many years has been Muhammad in all its different forms.

Lars is a great name!
It's common in Sweden, where it's a proper name/full name, not a nickname.
(The nicknames for Lars in Sweden are usually Lasse or Larsa).

A long time ago I think Lars was a short form of Laurentius.
So I think using Lars as a nickname for Laurence/Lawrence could work well.

You’ve inadvertently chosen his name - the phrase is this naming malarkey. Malachy is a boy’s name, and a lovely one. Can also be spelled Malachi.

@Endoftetherweather a friend's child called Gabriel now uses his middle name instead due to being teased about Gay-briel so I would avoid it.

Isn't Malachy said as Mal-uh-kee and Malachi said as Mall-uck-eye?
I say malarkey as Mal Ark Ee

Yes. But I was going by what she typed

Know of a Laurence who goes by Lance