Origin & Meaning of the Lara Surname
What does the last name Lara mean?
The surname Lara carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 83,067 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lara ranks as the #381 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lara come from?
The Lara surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lara name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lara trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lara |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #381 |
| US Count (2010) | 83,067 |
| Per 100K People | 28.16 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lara
According to the US Census, the Lara surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 83,067 Americans with the Lara last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.67% |
| Black | 0.37% |
| Hispanic | 92.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.14% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.24% |
Popularity of Lara Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lara surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lara surname increased by 23,336 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lara Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lara ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lara Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lara Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lara
- ✓ The Lara coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lara families live today
- ✓ Notable Lara bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Lara
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lara.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Lara.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lara
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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