Lara
Girl name · 1,690 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Lara: 1,690 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 62 births in 2008.
Lara is a name with several possible origins, most often linked to the Latin *lares*—the protective household gods of ancient Rome—or as a short form of the Greek name Larissa, meaning “citadel.” In Roman mythology, Lara was a naiad nymph whose silence was cursed by Jupiter, giving the name a tale of tragic resonance. Real-life bearers include American actress Lara Flynn Boyle, known for *Twin Peaks*, and TV personality Lara Spencer. The name soared in global popularity after the 1996 debut of fictional archaeologist Lara Croft, the heroine of the *Tomb Raider* series, which remains its most powerful cultural association. This blend of ancient myth and modern pop culture gives Lara a timeless yet adventurous feel.
Girl 52 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 200862 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #10642 babies
- Total births
- 1,690since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▲ 15%vs prior 5y