Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Lara has Latin origins, meaning 'famous' or 'protection.' It has evolved through various languages, retaining its elegance and charm. It does not have biblical relevance but has gained popularity in modern culture, associated with notable figures and a sophisticated image.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɑːrə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lara is derived from the Latin word 'lar,' which refers to a spirit or deity associated with the household and family. It is also linked to the name of a town in ancient Italy.
Meaning
Famous, protection
Language Evolution
Lara (Latin), Lara (Spanish), Lara (Italian)
Historical Usage
Lara gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries, and has become associated with beauty and grace.
Variants & Derivatives
Larae, Lary, Larissa
Modern Popularity & Image
Lara is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with sophistication and charm.
Famous People
Lara Flynn Boyle, Lara Croft (fictional character), Lara Stone
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,360 peak births in 1969
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 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 | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8050th of 10718 | 17 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13420th of 16616 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2076th of 9107 | 306 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2443rd of 9204 | 232 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1918th of 12526 | 600 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 328th of 19264 | 12,086 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 519th of 27321 | 7,099 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 836th of 35406 | 4,889 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 753rd of 30306 | 4,501 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
76.67% 1814th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
89.04% 2095th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
74.54% 1660th/2227 |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
74.03% 2112th/2853 |
64.22% 1782nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
11.30% 332nd/2937 |
9.82% 342nd/3483 |
9.55% 336th/3518 |
7.10% 287th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
14.82% 546th/3685 |
10.44% 467th/4475 |
9.74% 506th/5194 |
8.63% 545th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.86% 910th/4582 |
9.91% 512th/5164 |
13.39% 979th/7313 |
13.08% 976th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
24.12% 961st/3984 |
10.68% 479th/4487 |
12.06% 823rd/6822 |
13.27% 833rd/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 Florida across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8050th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13420th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2076th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2443rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1918th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 328th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 519th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 836th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 753rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.