Last Name Lara

The last name "Lara" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a town called "Lara de los Infantes" in the province of Burgos, Spain. The name Lara is thought to have pre-Roman origins and is related to the Latin word "laurus" meaning "laurel tree" or "victory." Over time, individuals with the last name Lara spread across Spain and Latin America, resulting in its prevalence as a surname in various Spanish-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lara

The meaning and origin of the last name Lara

The surname Lara has multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Spanish, Lara is derived from the word "lara" which refers to a thicket or dense bush, elucidating the possible origins of the name as someone who dwelled near or worked with such vegetation. Alternatively, the origin could be traced to the Spanish town of Lara, in the province of Burgos, which has given rise to other surnames as well. Another possibility is the surname's roots in the medieval Italian name "Lara," associated with the Roman mythological figure Larunda, a nymph who was punished by being transformed into a woodpecker. Some sources also note Lara as an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Lathmha, meaning "descendant of Lathmhath," where Lathmhath means "infant warrior" in Irish. Thus, the surname Lara exhibits various meanings and origins depending on its linguistic and regional context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lara

The last name "Lara" has a widespread geographical distribution across the world. It is particularly common in countries such as Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela. In Mexico, Lara is one of the most prevalent surnames, mainly found in states like Veracruz, Puebla, and Tabasco, where numerous families bear this last name. In Spain, Lara is commonly found in regions like Andalusia, Extremadura, and Catalonia. The strong presence of the surname can be traced back to historical factors, such as the Moorish occupation in Spain, which resulted in the Arab influence on names including Lara. Additionally, the surname has also spread to countries like the United States, where people of Mexican and Spanish descent brought it with them during migration. Overall, Lara is a widely dispersed last name that can be found across various regions of the world, particularly in Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lara

The last name Lara may have variations and spellings based on different regions and languages. In Spanish-speaking countries, variations may include Lára with an accent mark, Lahra without the final "a," or Laara with double "a." In Portuguese, it may be spelled Lhara with an "h" and without the final "a." In Italian, variations could be Laro or Larra. In English-speaking countries, it is typically spelled Lara without any alterations. However, it is important to note that surnames can vary significantly depending on individual preferences and historical influences. As a result, some individuals with the last name Lara may choose to spell it differently, adopting alternative forms such as Lhara, Larah, Lhara, or even Lyra. The variations and spellings of the last name indicate the rich diversity and multicultural heritage present in different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Lara

There are a few notable individuals with the last name "Lara" who have made their mark in a variety of fields. One prominent figure is Brian Lara, a legendary cricketer from Trinidad and Tobago. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Lara holds numerous records in international cricket, including the highest individual score in a test match. His achievements have earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Another prominent personality is Sergio Lara, a renowned flamenco guitarist from Spain. With his virtuosic playing style and innovative compositions, Lara has captivated audiences around the world, solidifying his status within the flamenco community. Additionally, there are notable individuals in various fields such as arts, science, and literature, with the surname "Lara" contributing to their respective disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Lara

The surname Lara has a fascinating genealogical history, originating from multiple regions with various origins. One prominent origin comes from Spain, particularly the region of Galicia, where the surname is derived from the ancient Roman name Laurus, meaning "laurel". The surname Lara can also be traced back to Italy, where it derived from the personal name Laro, common in the Piedmont region. Another notable origin is from Germany, with the variant spelling "Larra". Immigration and migration patterns in the 19th and 20th centuries contributed to the dissemination of the Lara surname across continents, especially to Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. Notably, the Lara surname became particularly famous in Latin America due to the respected Venezuelan political leader and military officer, General Juan Antonio Sotillo, who was of Spanish descent. Today, the surname Lara can be found worldwide, with individuals proudly carrying their heritage and continuing to research and explore their genealogical roots.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lara"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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