Larry

Origin

Derived from the Old English name Laurence, from Latin Laurentius meaning 'laurelled' or 'crowned with laurels'. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, with references in various historical texts and saints' names, notably Saint Laurence in Christian tradition. In Australia, the name was introduced through British colonisation and has since become a common given name.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'laurelled' or 'crowned with laurels'; signifies honour, victory, or accomplishment. In the Australian context, it is often associated with a friendly, approachable personality and has a classic, timeless appeal.

Pronunciation

/ˈlær.i/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable) [LAIR-ee] in informal speech, though some may pronounce as /ˈlær.iː/ (LAIR-ee).

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 10 August (Feast of Saint Laurence)
• 23 August (Feast of Saint Rose of Lima, for variant Laurie)
• 23 August (Māori celebration of cultural heritage for names derived from Christian saints)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with larry:

• Charlotte and James
• Emma and William
• Oliver and Mia (for siblings)

Fun Facts

• The name Larry became widely popular in Australia during the 20th century, partly due to famous Australian sportsmen and entertainers.
• Larry the Lobster is a popular character in Australian marine lore and media.
• The name has been used for several iconic Australian animals and characters in popular culture.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name larry:

• Friendly
• Approachable
• Casual
• Reliable
• Humorous

Aesthetic Qualities

Simple, soft consonant with a rounded vowel, giving it a warm and accessible visual impression in Australian signage and typography, often associated with informal, friendly branding.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with a strong presence in working-class communities and among older generations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with creativity, friendliness, and communication, resonating with the sociable aspect of Australian culture and lifestyle. Briefly, it suggests an optimistic and expressive personality.

Astrological Connections

Often associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Leo, which are linked to communication skills and leadership qualities, fitting with the name’s friendly and charismatic profile.

Historical Context

Many notable Australians have borne the name Larry, including sportspeople, musicians, and public figures such as Larry Adler (Australian-born British musician) and Larry Emdur (TV presenter). The name appears frequently in Australian literature and media, symbolising a friendly, down-to-earth persona.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across various languages, with equivalents like Laurent (French), Lorenz (German), and Łukasz (Polish). The spelling remains largely consistent across English-speaking countries.

Famous People Named larry

• Larry Emdur (Television presenter)
• Larry Adler (Musician)
• Larry Marshall (Actor)

Popularity in Australia