Lara is a name with a rich history and diverse meanings. Its origins can be traced back to Roman mythology, where it was the name of a nymph who was known for her beauty and inability to keep secrets. In Latin, the name means “to shine,” and it can also be derived from the Greek word “laws,” which means “sweet” or “dainty.”
Today, the name Lara is a popular choice for baby girls around the world. According to BabyCenter user data, Lara is currently ranked #226 in popularity for 2023, up 63 spots from the previous year. It’s a name that has been used by notable figures in various fields, including Canadian actress Lara Arruabarrena and British mathematics educator Lara Alcock.
Whether you’re considering naming your child Lara or simply interested in the name’s history and meaning, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know. From its ancient roots in mythology to its modern-day popularity, we’ll explore the many facets of this timeless name.
Origin of Lara
Lara is a name with an interesting history and diverse origins.
The name Lara is believed to have originated from the Roman mythology, where it was the name of a nymph who was considered to be a protector of the water sources. In Latin, the name Lara means “talkative” or “chatterbox”.
The name Lara is also commonly used in Russian, where it is a diminutive of the name Larisa. In Greek, the name Lara means “cheerful” or “light-hearted”. In English, German, and Dutch, the name Lara is derived from the Latin word “larus”, which means “seagull”.
In Turkish, the name Lara means “cheerful” or “happy”, and it is a popular name for baby girls. In Italy, the name Lara is associated with the laurel tree, which was a symbol of victory in ancient Rome.
The name Lara is also popular in Venezuela, Australia, Spain, Austria, and Slovenia. In these countries, the name is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and beauty.
Overall, the name Lara has a rich history and diverse origins. Whether you choose to name your child Lara because of its Roman mythology roots or because of its cheerful and happy connotations in Turkish, the name is sure to be a beautiful and meaningful choice.
Lara in Mythology
Lara is a name that has a rich history in mythology. In Roman mythology, Lara was a nymph, the daughter of the river-god Almo. She was also known as the “muttering nymph” and was said to be a gossip who could not keep a secret.
In Greek mythology, Larissa was a local nymph from Thessaly. She was described by Pausanias as a daughter of Pelasgus. However, Hellanicus states that the sons of Poseidon and Larissa were Achaios, Phthios, and Eurytos.
In ancient Roman religion, the Lares were household gods who protected the home and family. They were often depicted as small, winged figures and were believed to watch over the family and protect them from harm. The Lares were also associated with the spirits of ancestors and were often worshiped alongside them.
Overall, the name Lara has a strong connection to mythology and the supernatural. It is a name that has been used for centuries and continues to be popular today. Whether you are interested in Greek mythology or Roman religion, Lara is a name that is sure to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Meaning of Lara
Lara is a beautiful name with Latin, Greek, and Russian roots. The name Lara means “protection” and stems from the word “lares,” which refers to the individual gods of Roman households who were the protectors of homes and fields.
In addition to its meaning of protection, the name Lara is also associated with beauty and laurel. The name is derived from the Latin word “laurus,” which means “laurel tree.” In ancient times, the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory, and it was often awarded to winners of athletic competitions and other contests.
Overall, the name Lara has a strong and positive meaning, making it a great choice for parents who want to give their child a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.
If you are considering naming your child Lara, it is important to note that the name has been used by many notable individuals throughout history. For example, Lara Arruabarrena is a Spanish tennis player, and Lara Logan is a South African journalist.
In conclusion, the name Lara has a rich history and a beautiful meaning that is sure to make it a popular choice for parents for years to come.
Popularity of Lara
Lara has been a popular name for baby girls for several years. According to BabyCenter user data, Lara was ranked #226 in 2023, which is a 63-point increase from the previous year. Lara’s popularity has been steadily increasing, and it is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
The name Lara has also been included in the Social Security Administration’s list of top baby names. In 2022, Lara was ranked #278 in the United States, which is a significant increase from the previous year. The popularity of the name Lara has been on the rise, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Lara is a name that has been used in several countries around the world. It is a popular name in Russia, where it originated from, and it has also gained popularity in other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The name Lara has been included in several baby name charts and lists, including Nameberry and Mama Natural.
Overall, Lara is a popular name for baby girls, and its popularity is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
Lara as a Girl’s Name
Lara is a beautiful and unique name for a baby girl that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Its origins can be traced back to different cultures and languages, including Russian, Latin, and Greek.
The name Lara means “citadel” or “fortress” in Russian, which gives it a strong and powerful connotation. In Latin, it is derived from the name Laura, which means “laurel” or “bay tree”. The name Lara is also associated with the Greek word “laleo”, which means “to talk” or “to chatter”.
Lara is a great name for parents who are looking for a beautiful and meaningful name for their baby girl. It is a name that is both feminine and strong, and it has a timeless quality that will never go out of style.
Some popular sibling names for Lara include Lana, Mia, Emma, Luna, Mila, Clara, Maya, Ella, Ava, Amelia, Aria, and Layla. These names all have a similar sound and feel to Lara, making them a great choice for parents who want to create a cohesive and harmonious set of names for their children.
Overall, Lara is a wonderful name for a baby girl that is both unique and meaningful. It has a rich history and cultural significance, and it is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
Famous People Named Lara
Lara is a popular name that has been used for many famous people throughout history. From actresses to athletes, here are some of the most notable people named Lara:
- Lara Flynn Boyle: An American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Twin Peaks” and “The Practice”.
- Lara Croft: A fictional character and the main protagonist of the “Tomb Raider” video game series. Lara Croft is known for her adventurous spirit and her skills in archaeology and combat.
- Lara Dutta: An Indian actress and former Miss Universe who has appeared in Bollywood films such as “Partner” and “Chalo Dilli”.
- Lara Spencer: An American television presenter and journalist who is best known for co-anchoring the ABC show “Good Morning America”.
- Lara Wollington: A British model who has worked for brands such as Burberry, Chanel, and Dior.
- Lara McDonnell: An Irish actress who has appeared in films such as “Love, Rosie” and “Artemis Fowl”.
- Lara Parker: An American actress who is best known for her role as Angelique in the television series “Dark Shadows”.
- Lara Pulver: A British actress who has appeared in television shows such as “Sherlock” and “Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond”.
- Lara Cardella: An Italian author who is best known for her novel “Dove Siete Tutti” (“Where Are You All”).
- Lara Jill Miller: An American actress who has provided voice work for numerous animated series, including “The Loud House” and “Doc McStuffins”.
- Lara Fabian: A Belgian-Canadian singer who has released numerous albums in both French and English.
- Lara Logan: A South African journalist who has worked for CBS News and 60 Minutes.
- Lara St. John: A Canadian violinist who has performed with numerous orchestras around the world.
- Lara Veronin: A Taiwanese-American singer who is best known for her work with the band Nan Quan Mama.
- Lara Jean Song Covey: A fictional character and the main protagonist of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” book and film series.
These are just a few of the many famous people named Lara. The name has been used by individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions, making it a versatile and popular choice for parents around the world.
Lara in Literature and Media
The name Lara has appeared in various forms of literature and media, often as a character name. Here are some notable examples:
Tomb Raider
One of the most famous Laras is Lara Croft, the protagonist of the popular video game series Tomb Raider. Lara Croft is known for her intelligence, athleticism, and adventurous spirit. Her character has become an icon of video game culture and has been adapted into movies and comic books.
Doctor Zhivago
Lara Antipova is the female lead in Boris Pasternak’s novel Doctor Zhivago. The character is a muse and love interest of the titular character, Doctor Zhivago. Their tragic love story takes place during the Russian Revolution and has become a classic of Russian literature.
Superman
Lara Lor-Van is the birth mother of Superman in the DC Comics universe. She is a scientist on the planet Krypton and sends her son to Earth to save him from the planet’s destruction. Her character has appeared in various Superman comics and adaptations.
Maurice Jarre
“Lara’s Theme” is a musical piece composed by Maurice Jarre for the 1965 film Doctor Zhivago. The piece is a haunting melody played on a balalaika and has become one of the most recognizable film scores in history.
Lara Buterskaya
Lara Buterskaya is a retired Russian figure skater. She is a two-time European champion and a two-time World bronze medalist. She is also known for her signature move, the Buterskaya.
John Green
Lara is a minor character in John Green’s novel Looking for Alaska. She is a student at Culver Creek Preparatory School and is friends with the main character, Miles Halter. Her character is known for her intelligence and wit.
Overall, the name Lara has had a significant presence in various forms of literature and media, often as a strong and memorable character.
Variations and Diminutives of Lara
Lara is a beautiful and unique name that has a few variations and diminutives. Here are some of the most popular ones:
-
Other forms of Lara: Some other forms of Lara include Lareen, Larina, Larraine, and Larita.
-
Larissa: Larissa is a Greek name that means “citadel.” It is a popular variation of Lara and can be used as a standalone name as well.
-
Lia: Lia is a diminutive of Lara and means “bearer of good news.” It is a sweet and simple name that is perfect for a baby girl.
-
Laura: Laura is a classic name that means “bay laurel.” It is a popular variation of Lara and can be used as a standalone name as well.
-
Lana: Lana is a name of Hawaiian origin that means “calm as still waters.” It is a beautiful variation of Lara and is perfect for parents looking for a unique name.
-
Livia: Livia is a name of Latin origin that means “olive tree.” It is a popular diminutive of Olivia and can also be used as a variation of Lara.
-
Lauren: Lauren is a name of English origin that means “laurel tree.” It is a popular variation of Lara and can be used as a standalone name as well.
-
Diminutives of Lara: Some diminutives of Lara include Lari, Lary, and Larey. These diminutives are perfect for parents looking for a cute and unique nickname for their baby girl.
Overall, Lara is a beautiful name with many variations and diminutives. Whether you choose to use a variation or diminutive of Lara, you can be sure that your baby girl will have a unique and beautiful name.
Future Trends for the Name Lara
The name Lara has been a popular choice for baby girls for many years, and it’s likely to continue to be a popular choice in the future. Here are a few possible future trends for the name Lara:
Increasing Popularity
According to Nameberry, Lara is currently ranked #681 in the US. While it’s not one of the most popular names, it’s still a well-known and well-liked name. It’s possible that Lara’s popularity could increase in the coming years as more parents seek out unique but not too unusual names for their children.
Geographic Distribution
Lara is a name that is used all over the world, but it’s particularly popular in certain areas. For example, in the state of Queensland, Australia, Lara is a relatively common name. It’s possible that Lara could become more popular in other regions as well.
Variations on the Name
While Lara is a beautiful name on its own, there are many variations that parents might consider. For example, Laura is a similar name that has been popular for many years. Other variations include Larissa, Lareina, and Laralyn. These variations could become more popular in the future as parents seek out unique but still recognizable names for their children.
Overall, the future looks bright for the name Lara. Whether parents choose the classic version of the name or one of its many variations, Lara is sure to remain a popular choice for baby girls for many years to come.
Pronunciation of Lara
The name Lara is pronounced as “lah-rah” or “lair-uh”. It is a two-syllable name with the stress on the first syllable.
The pronunciation of Lara may vary depending on the language and accent. In Spanish, the “r” sound is rolled, making it sound like “lah-rrah”. In German, the “a” sound is pronounced as “ah”, making it sound like “lah-rah”.
Lara is a popular name in various countries, including Russia, Spain, and Italy. In Russia, it is pronounced as “lah-ruh” and means “sea gull”. In Spanish, it means “protected” or “famous protector”.
Overall, the pronunciation of Lara is simple and easy to remember. It has a pleasant sound and is a popular choice for baby girls.
Lara in Different Countries
Lara is a name that is used in various countries and cultures around the world. Here is a brief overview of how the name is used in different countries:
-
United States: Lara is a popular name in the United States, ranking at #437 in popularity according to the Social Security Administration. It is a name that is used for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly used for girls.
-
Croatia: Lara is a popular name in Croatia, and it is used exclusively for girls. It is derived from the Latin name Laurus, which means “laurel.”
-
Family and PIN: Lara is also a popular surname in many countries, including Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In some cases, it is also used as a first name. In the banking world, a PIN (personal identification number) is often referred to as a “LARA” code.
-
Fields: Lara Fields is the name of a character in the popular television show “Grey’s Anatomy.” She is a surgical resident who is known for her intelligence and dedication.
-
Cardella: Lara Cardella is an Italian author who is known for her controversial book “Dove Siete?” (“Where Are You?”). The book describes the author’s experiences growing up in a conservative Sicilian family.
-
Cazalet: “The Cazalet Chronicles” is a series of novels by British author Elizabeth Jane Howard. The series follows the lives of an upper-class English family during and after World War II. One of the main characters is named Lara.
-
Cody: Lara Cody is an American actress and voice-over artist who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
-
Cox: Lara Cox is an Australian actress who is best known for her role as Anita Scheppers in the television series “Heartbreak High.”
-
Fabian: Lara Fabian is a Belgian-Canadian singer who has sold over 20 million records worldwide. She is known for her powerful vocals and emotional ballads.
-
St. John: Lara St. John is a Canadian violinist who has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras. She is known for her virtuosic playing and innovative interpretations of classical music.
-
Logan: Lara Logan is a South African journalist who has worked for CBS News and 60 Minutes. She has covered many of the world’s most significant events, including the war in Iraq and the Arab Spring.
-
McDonnell: Lara McDonnell is an Irish actress who has appeared in films such as “Artemis Fowl” and “Love, Rosie.”
-
Jill Miller: Lara Jill Miller is an American actress who is best known for her voice work in animated series such as “The Loud House” and “Doc McStuffins.”
-
Parker: Lara Parker is an American author and actress who is best known for her role as Angelique in the television series “Dark Shadows.” She has also written several novels and non-fiction books.