Lamar

Lamar is a proper noun used as both a given name and a surname. It is also associated with various places and institutions in the United States, where some names reflect historical figures with the surname Lamar.

Notable people with the given name include Lamar Alexander, an American politician who served as a U.S. senator from Tennessee, and Lamar Odom, an American former professional basketball player. The surname Lamar has appeared in other personal names as well, and individuals bearing the name have contributed to politics, sports, and culture.

Geographic names in the United States include Lamar, Colorado, a city in Prowers County, and Lamar, Missouri, a city in Barton County. The surname has also been used for counties and other jurisdictions, with Lamar County existing in several states, notably Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. In higher education, Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, Texas, established in the 20th century and named in association with the Lamar name.

Etymology and usage vary. In American toponymy and on personal name records, Lamar is commonly treated as a surname that has been adopted as a given name. In many cases, places and institutions named Lamar honor individuals bearing the surname Lamar, including historical figures associated with the name.