Girl Name · Latin Origin
Lara
Lara — a girl name from the Latin tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Laurel tree, protective", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Laura is on your shortlist, Lara belongs in the same conversation.
Lara meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Laurel tree, protective
Origin: Latin naming roots help connect Lara to related Latin baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Lara as L·A·R·A, with 4 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Lara is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Lara variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Laraa, Larae, Laray, Lar.
- Nicknames: Lara works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Lara with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Lara middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Laura, Lora, Lura, Lyra, Lera — full picks on the sibling names for Lara guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Lara? Browse our names like Lara guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Lara
What does the name Lara mean?
Lara means "Laurel tree, protective" and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of Lara?
Lara originates in Latin naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Lara?
Lara has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Lara a boy's or girl's name?
Lara is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Lara in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Lara sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Lara?
Names that share Lara's sound and style include Laura, Lora, Lura, Lyra, Lera.
What middle names pair well with Lara?
Good middle-name fits for Lara pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Lara is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Lara is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Lara?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Lara share its rhythm without rhyming — Laura, Lora, Lura all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.