Lara
How to say it: LAH-ruh · /ˈlɑrə/
Diminutive of Larissa (Greek city) or Clara (bright); popularized globally via Doctor Zhivago.
Lara was the 676th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 409 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1970s, its births are up about 18% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #657 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #676 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 409 |
| Share of births | 1 in 8,105 |
| Peak decade | 1970s |
| Change over 10 years | +18% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #657 |
| In France, 2025 | #209 among girls’ names, 320 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After peaking in the 1970s, Lara settled well below that high while staying in regular use. The next few years should bring a gentle lift.
What goes with it
Soft and gentle with flowing sounds, Lara travels well and feels calm. Maya and Elena make natural companions.
Nicknames
- Lari
Honouring a Lara in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Lara is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish.
In France: #209 for girls in 2025.
England and Wales: #98. Ireland: #102.
Famous people named Lara
- Lara Dutta (born 1978)Indian actress
- Lara Fabian (born 1970)Belgian and Canadian singer and songwriter
- Lara Flynn Boyle (born 1970)American actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Lara Croft is the hero of the Tomb Raider games and films
Keep exploring
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