What does the baby name “Lara” mean?
Lara is a luminous and romantic baby name, a Russian pet form of Larissa that carries the warmth of a classic novel and a sound as elegant as it is simple.
Origin of the baby name Lara
Lara originated as a Russian diminutive of Larissa, a name of uncertain ancient origin, possibly from the Greek city of Larisa in Thessaly or from the Latin "lares," the household gods of Roman tradition. In Russian, it is written as Lara and used as an affectionate short form that has taken on a life of its own.
Baby Lara: The Explorer →
History of the baby name “Lara”
Lara found its most famous expression in the character of the same name in Boris Pasternak's celebrated novel, later brought to the screen in the film adaptation of the 1960s, which introduced the name to audiences around the world. The sweeping romance and beauty of the character gave Lara an enduring glamour, and the name has been embraced across Europe and beyond ever since.
Why parents choose the baby name “Lara”
Lara is effortlessly elegant: four letters, two syllables, and a sound that manages to feel both strong and soft. It is easy to spell, easy to say in virtually any language, and carries a literary and cinematic romance that gives it real resonance. Parents who want a short, beautiful name with genuine depth often fall for Lara completely.
Nicknames for the Baby Name “Lara”
Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Lara”
Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Lara might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.
Variations on the baby name “Lara”
Lara is a pet form of Larissa, and it also connects to Laura, which shares similar sounds and a deep classical tradition. Related names include Laraina, Lara, Larsa, Delara, and Lora. In other languages, the parent name Larissa appears as Larisa in Russian and Eastern European traditions.
Baby names similar to “Lara”
These baby names share spelling patterns with Lara and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.
Baby names that sound like “Lara”
Baby girl names that sound like Lara
Baby sibling names for Lara
Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Lara →
Baby Middle Names for Lara
Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Lara, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.