Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Lamar originated from the Old French word meaning 'the sea' and evolved through various forms in the French language. It is primarily known as a given name in modern times, particularly in the United States, where it gained traction in the 20th century. The name carries connotations of depth and fluidity, with no significant biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ləˈmɑːr/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Lamar is derived from the Old French word 'lamare', which means 'the sea' or 'water'. It was used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name.
Meaning
the sea
Language Evolution
Old French: lamare, Middle French: l'amer, Modern French: la mer
Historical Usage
Lamar gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in the African American community, influenced by cultural figures and media.
Variants & Derivatives
Lamarcus, Lamarre
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Lamar is often associated with creativity and individuality, partly due to its use in popular culture and by celebrities.
Famous People
Lamar Odom, Kendrick Lamar, Lamar Alexander
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 748 peak births in 1989
Geographic Spread
Popular across 38 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 444th of 7545 | 2,894 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 391st of 6773 | 3,959 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 457th of 7552 | 5,076 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 408th of 10718 | 6,086 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 393rd of 16616 | 8,567 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 700th of 24088 | 4,665 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1032nd of 23106 | 2,456 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4146th of 9107 | 86 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4402nd of 9204 | 75 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3906th of 12526 | 185 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4641st of 19264 | 193 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9021st of 27321 | 114 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8991st of 35406 | 186 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4116th of 30306 | 426 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
43.43% 615th/1416 |
38.29% 528th/1379 |
13.23% 313th/2366 |
29.16% 333rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
35.38% 547th/1546 |
28.53% 444th/1556 |
12.49% 294th/2353 |
24.18% 374th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
22.32% 497th/2227 |
23.79% 578th/2430 |
12.62% 360th/2853 |
21.33% 592nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
12.43% 365th/2937 |
9.30% 324th/3483 |
11.68% 411th/3518 |
12.96% 524th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.98% 331st/3685 |
5.85% 262nd/4475 |
7.59% 394th/5194 |
9.29% 587th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.83% 588th/4582 |
10.61% 548th/5164 |
9.98% 730th/7313 |
14.98% 1118th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
20.31% 809th/3984 |
19.57% 878th/4487 |
14.89% 1016th/6822 |
26.53% 1665th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
66.70% 1903rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
71.55% 2492nd/3483 |
68.33% 2404th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
92.86% 6791st/7313 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
59.36% 2365th/3984 |
79.76% 3579th/4487 |
73.79% 5034th/6822 |
62.33% 3912th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Georgia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 444th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 391st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 457th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 408th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 393rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 700th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1032nd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4146th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4402nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3906th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4641st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9021st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8991st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4116th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.