All about the name

Lara

Male

« Lara is a woman's name of uncertain Latin or Slavic origin, possibly meaning 'guardian spirit' or 'cheerful'. It gained popularity in the late 19th century through Alfred Tennyson's poem "Lara" and has been borne by notable figures such as Soviet cosmonaut Larisa Tatinova. »

#24296 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Lara is a feminine given name of uncertain origin. Some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Latin word "lar" or "larem", which refers to an ancient Roman guardian spirit of the home. Others propose that Lara could be derived from the Slavic element "laryu", meaning "cheerful". The name Lara gained popularity in the late 19th century, likely due to the poem " Lara" written by Alfred Tennyson and published in his collection "Idylls of the King". In this poem, Lara is a beautiful maiden who is wooed by various suitors but remains loyal to her true love. This romantic narrative may have contributed to the name's rising popularity. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Lara. One famous example is Soviet cosmonaut Larisa Tatinova, who was the first woman to perform a spacewalk in 1984. Additionally, Brazilian footballer Lara Fabian is known for her powerful vocals and hit songs like "Je t'aime" and "L'Aziza". Despite its uncertain origin, the name Lara has become well-liked by many parents due to its elegant sound and mysterious etymology. It continues to be popular in various countries around the world, often appearing among the top baby names charts. In conclusion, while the exact origins of the name Lara remain unclear, its meaning can be associated with guardian spirits or cheerfulness. With a rich history connected to literature and notable figures, Lara has become an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet beautiful feminine given name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lara since 1880

Total births
34
Total since 1880
Peak year
1967
6 births
in 1990
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years