MyNameList

    Lara / Larisa / Larissa

    Pronunciation: LAH-rah

    ♀ Female
    Latin, Russian, Greek
    Appears in:⚡Mythology Names

    Meaning

    Laurel, or protector

    Origin

    Latin, Russian

    The Story Behind Lara

    The name Lara has a dual etymology. In its Latin origin, it is believed to be a diminutive of Larisa or derived from 'Lares', the Roman gods of the household, or directly from 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree'. The laurel tree was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. In Russian, Lara is a diminutive of Larisa, which itself is thought to be derived from the Greek city of Larissa, or from the Greek word 'laros' meaning 'pleasant, cheerful'.

    The name gained significant popularity in the English-speaking world after the success of Boris Pasternak's novel 'Doctor Zhivago' (1957) and its subsequent film adaptation (1965), featuring the character Lara Antipova. This brought the Russian diminutive form into wider international use as a standalone name. Its short, elegant sound and connection to both classical antiquity and romantic literature have contributed to its enduring appeal.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Classic
    Peak decade:1990s
    Era:Ancient, Contemporary
    Popular in:United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Russia

    Is Lara Right for Your Baby?

    Lara is a Elegant, Classic, Romantic name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Roman Mythology

    Regions Where Lara Is Used

    Mediterranean
    Eastern Europe
    Western Europe

    Name Vibe

    Elegant
    Classic
    Romantic
    Strong

    Famous People Named Lara

    • Lara Croft (fictional character from Tomb Raider)
    • Lara Spencer (American television presenter)
    • Lara Fabian (Belgian-Canadian singer)
    • Lara Dutta (Indian actress and former Miss Universe)

    Lara in different fonts

    LaraDancing Script
    LaraCaveat
    LaraSatisfy
    LaraPacifico
    LaraGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Lara:

    Names Similar to Lara

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Lara, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic and elegant
    Short and sweet

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Lara

    What does Lara mean?

    Lara means "Laurel, or protector". It is derived from Latin, Russian.

    What is the origin of Lara?

    Lara originates from Latin, Russian, Greek. Its cultural origin is Latin, Russian.

    Is Lara a male or female name?

    Lara is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Lara?

    Lara is pronounced "LAH-rah".

    What language does Lara come from?

    Lara comes from Latin, Russian, Greek.

    Is Lara a popular name?

    Lara is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

    What are variants of Lara?

    Variants of Lara include Larisa, Larissa.

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