Girl
Latin / Russian
2 syllables
Lara
LAH-rah
/ˈlɑːrə/
"The shining one" — a name of cinematic romance and timeless elegance
Lara is a name of captivating brevity and depth, functioning both as an independent name and as a diminutive of Larissa or Laura. It leapt to global fame through Boris Pasternak's novel Dr. Zhivago and its 1965 film adaptation, where Lara became one of cinema's great romantic heroines, her theme a haunting masterpiece. With its soft sounds and international feel, Lara is equally beloved in Russia, Italy, Spain, and the English-speaking world.
Quick Facts
Letters4
SyllablesLa · ra
GenderGirl
OriginLatin / Russian
Root WordLarunda / Larissa
MeaningProtection, cheerful, famous
PopularityPopular
Peak Year1965
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayMarch 26
Nicknames
LariLara-belle
About the Name Lara
Lara carries multiple meanings depending on its root. As a form of Larissa, it derives from the Greek for 'cheerful' or 'citadel.' As a variant of Laura, it means 'laurel' and by extension 'famous' or 'victorious.' In Roman mythology, Lara was a nymph associated with protection. The name blends brightness, strength, and romantic allure.
Lara is widely used in Russia as a nickname for Larissa or Larisa, but it functions as an independent given name in many other cultures including Italian, Spanish, and English. Its association with the Russian literary heroine in Dr. Zhivago gave it a distinctly Russian romantic flavor in Western imagination.
Laras are often described as elegant, passionate, and quietly strong. The name evokes a woman of depth and romance—someone who feels things intensely but carries herself with composed grace. People named Lara tend to be imaginative, perceptive, and deeply loyal.
Lara has maintained a consistent presence in English-speaking countries since its surge in the 1960s following Dr. Zhivago. It is more popular in Europe, particularly in Germany, Spain, and Italy, where it consistently ranks in the top 50. In the US and UK it is a stylish, moderately popular choice.
Lara's two-syllable elegance pairs beautifully with both short and long middle names. Lovely combinations include Lara Rose, Lara Vivienne, Lara Celeste, Lara Simone, and Lara Josephine. For a crisper sound, Lara Jean or Lara Claire work perfectly.
Lara has roots in both Latin and Greek. In Roman mythology, Lara was a water nymph (Larunda) who was punished by Jupiter for her talkativeness. As a name, Lara also serves as a short form of Larissa (Greek, meaning 'cheerful') and of Laura (Latin, meaning 'laurel'). It has been used across Europe and Russia for centuries.
Personality of Lara
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Lara
Creativity
82%
Elegance
90%
Independence
80%
Intelligence
85%
Strength
75%
Warmth
80%
Famous People Named Lara
L
Lara (Dr. Zhivago)
The iconic romantic heroine of Pasternak's novel and the 1965 film
L
Lara Croft
Iconic video game and film adventurer from the Tomb Raider franchise
L
Lara Flynn Boyle
American actress known for Twin Peaks and The Practice
L
Lara Fabian
Belgian-Canadian singer known for the hit song Je t'aime
Middle Names for Lara
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Lara
Lara Rose
Lara Marie
Lara Grace
Lara Jean
Lara Elise
Lara Celeste
Lara Simone
Lara Vivienne
Lara Belle
Lara Claire
Lara Noelle
Lara Josephine
Names Similar to Lara
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Lara
1 AD
Lara appears in Roman mythology as the nymph Larunda, mother of the Lares
1957
Boris Pasternak publishes Dr. Zhivago, featuring the character Lara Antipova
1965
The film adaptation of Dr. Zhivago makes Lara a worldwide romantic icon
1996
Lara Croft debuts in the video game Tomb Raider, creating a bold action icon
2000s
Lara remains a stylish choice across Europe and the English-speaking world
Numerology & Symbolism of Lara
5
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
2
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Pisces
3
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Rose Gold
💎
Lucky Stone
Rose Quartz
🌸
Lucky Flower
Jasmine
Lara Around the World
How Lara is written in different languages and scripts
لارا
Arabic
ララ
Japanese
Лара
Russian
라라
Korean
拉拉
Chinese
Λάρα
Greek
लारा
Hindi
לרה
Hebrew
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