Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Larry originated from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning 'crowned with laurel'. Over time, it evolved through various languages, including Italian and French, before becoming popular in English. The name is often associated with traits of victory and honor, although it does not have biblical significance. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and is now seen as friendly and approachable, with notable bearers in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlæri/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Larry is derived from the Latin name 'Laurentius', which means 'from Laurentum'. It is often associated with the laurel tree, a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome.
Meaning
crowned with laurel
Language Evolution
Laurentius (Latin), Lorenzo (Italian), Laurent (French), Larry (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly after the 1930s. It became a common diminutive of Lawrence.
Variants & Derivatives
Lawrence, Laurie, Loren, Larrie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Larry is viewed as a friendly and approachable name, though it has seen a decline in popularity compared to earlier decades.
Famous People
Larry Bird - American basketball player, Larry Page - Co-founder of Google, Larry King - American television and radio host, Larry David - American comedian and writer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 35,026 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 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 4 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 | 246th of 7545 | 8,031 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 18th of 6773 | 194,845 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 18th of 7552 | 439,957 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 51st of 10718 | 105,361 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 125th of 16616 | 39,257 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 329th of 24088 | 15,029 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 705th of 23106 | 4,383 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4121st of 9107 | 87 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1230th of 9204 | 684 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1107th of 12526 | 1,635 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1732nd of 19264 | 871 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4911th of 27321 | 283 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.03% 227th/1416 |
15.88% 219th/1379 |
11.33% 268th/2366 |
14.10% 161st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
0.78% 12th/1546 |
3.53% 55th/1556 |
0.93% 22nd/2353 |
0.90% 14th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
0.94% 21st/2227 |
1.73% 42nd/2430 |
0.32% 9th/2853 |
0.65% 18th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.84% 54th/2937 |
2.61% 91st/3483 |
0.91% 32nd/3518 |
1.58% 64th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.47% 128th/3685 |
4.27% 191st/4475 |
1.62% 84th/5194 |
3.20% 202nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.09% 325th/4582 |
8.75% 452nd/5164 |
3.45% 252nd/7313 |
5.71% 426th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
16.32% 650th/3984 |
23.09% 1036th/4487 |
8.77% 598th/6822 |
13.07% 820th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
61.51% 951st/1546 |
90.55% 1409th/1556 |
72.25% 1700th/2353 |
94.96% 1469th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
52.22% 1163rd/2227 |
74.81% 1818th/2430 |
32.18% 918th/2853 |
62.67% 1739th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.06% 1764th/2937 |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
54.21% 1907th/3518 |
48.05% 1943rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
- |
77.76% 4039th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South 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, too falling 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, falling 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 246th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 18th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 18th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 51st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 125th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 329th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 705th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4121st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1230th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1107th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1732nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4911th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.