Lara
Lara is a girl name of Russian origin meaning “Cheerful, citadel”, pronounced LAH-rah. It ranked #693 in the United States in 2025, given to 409 babies, and peaked at #223 in 1969. Common nicknames: Lolly, Lars.
How popular is Lara in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Lara mean, and where does it come from?
Lara is the Russian short form of Larisa, a name usually traced to the Greek city of Larissa or to the Latin hilaris, "cheerful." Its arrival in the West has a date: Doctor Zhivago reached cinemas in 1965 with Julie Christie as Lara, and the name entered the American top thousand the following year, peaking in 1969. A second wave came with Lara Croft in the 1990s. It is a top-ten name in Germany, Turkey and Croatia, where it needs no explanation at all.
How is Lara used around the world?
Lara is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Lara?
Famous People Named Lara
- Lara Fabian — Belgian-Canadian singer
- Lara Gut-Behrami — Swiss alpine skier and Olympic champion
- Lara Dutta — Indian actress and Miss Universe 2000
Similar Names to Lara
If you like Lara, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Lara
Looking for names that pair well with Lara? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lara mean?
Lara is a girl name of Russian origin meaning "Cheerful, citadel." Lara is the Russian short form of Larisa, a name usually traced to the Greek city of Larissa or to the Latin hilaris, "cheerful." Its arrival in the West has a date: Doctor Zhivago reached cinemas in 1965 with Julie Christie as Lara, and the name entered the American top thousand the following year, peaking in 1969.
How do you pronounce Lara?
Lara is pronounced LAH-rah. Common variations include Larissa, Larisa, Laura.
Is Lara a girl name?
Yes, Lara is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lolly, Lars.