Lara

Origin

Lara is a name with multiple potential origins. It is often considered a shortened form of Laurella or a variation of Laura, which derives from Latin, meaning 'laurel'. In addition, 'Lara' appears as a place name and character name in various cultures, including Russian and Mediterranean contexts. In Australian contexts, it gained popularity through literary and media references, such as Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series, and as a modern, appealing feminine given name.

Meaning

Literal translation from Latin is 'laurel', symbolising victory and honour. In Australian English, it connotes elegance, strength, and modern femininity, often associated with adventurous and independent personalities.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɑːrə/ (Australian English pronunciation: /ˈlɑːrə/ with emphasis on the first syllable, the 'a' as in 'father'). The name is pronounced with a long 'a' sound, and the final 'a' is more relaxed.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 10 August (Feast of Saint Laurentius, Latin Catholic)
• 19 June (Māori celebraion of Matariki - associated with new beginnings and hope, occasionally linked with the name Lara in cultural adaptations)
• 15 July (Australian Aboriginal Cultural Day, themes of storytelling and heritage)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with lara:

• Charlotte and Lara
• Amelia and Lara
• Harper and Lara

Fun Facts

• The name Lara became globally popular after the release of the Tomb Raider video game series featuring Lara Croft.
• Lara is also the name of a city in Queensland, Australia, known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
• In Australian literature, characters named Lara often embody resilience and self-reliance.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name lara:

• adventurous
• independent
• elegant
• resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

The name Lara has a sleek, soft aesthetic, with balanced letterforms that are visually appealing in both handwritten and typographic styles in Australian English.

Geographical Distribution

While Lara is name and place in Queensland, its use as a personal name is widespread across Australia, with slightly higher prevalence in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and social interaction, often linked with charismatic personalities and expressive tendencies.

Astrological Connections

Lara may be associated with zodiac signs like Leo and Libra, symbolising confidence, harmony, and beauty, aligning with personality traits valued in Australian culture.

Historical Context

Famous Australians with the name include Lara Bingle, a well-known model and media personality. The name has also appeared in Australian literature and media as a character name embodying strength and independence.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is easy to adapt across languages, maintaining pronunciation and spelling in English, while being phonetically translatable into other languages without significant change.

Famous People Named lara

• Lara Bingle (model)
• Lara Williams (author)
• Lara Croft (fictional character, international influence)

Popularity in Australia