Lara

Lara is a name used as a feminine given name in many languages and cultures, and it also exists as a surname. It is used in various regions, including Europe and the Americas, and appears in literature and media as a character name. Additionally, Lara is the name of a Venezuelan state, whose capital is Barquisimeto.

The exact origin of the given name Lara is uncertain, and several origins have been proposed. It is sometimes considered a short form or variant of the Greek name Larissa, or linked to the Latin laurus, meaning laurel. In some contexts, Lara is treated as an independent name rather than a derivative, and it is related in sound to names such as Laura, Lauren, and Lora. Varieties and related forms appear across languages, with spellings that reflect local phonology.

Notable uses of the name include fictional and real individuals. The most widely recognized fictional bearer is Lara Croft, the protagonist of the Tomb Raider video game series. Real people named Lara include artists and journalists such as the Belgian-Canadian singer Lara Fabian, the American journalist Lara Logan, and TV presenter Lara Spencer. The surname Lara is common in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and appears among athletes, academics, and public figures, though examples are numerous and vary by region.

In contemporary usage, Lara remains a relatively popular and versatile name for girls in many countries and has enduring presence in cultural and public life. Its simplicity, international variants, and historical associations contribute to its broad usage.