What does Lamar mean and where does it come from?
Lamar has origins in both Arabic and French, where it translates as 'shining' or 'emerald.' The name gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century and has been embraced by various demographics. While traditionally used for males, it has gained traction as a female name, showcasing m
Cultural significance
Lamar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of اللامع - 'shining' or 'emerald'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1496 in 2024 — currently #1517 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lamar?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lamar?
Lamar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lamar Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Lamar John
One syllable · timeless choice
Lamar Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Lamar Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Lamar Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Lamar Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Lamar right now?
Declining — down 21 spots — currently #1517 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1517 | 115 | ▼ down 21 · -4% births |
| 2024 | #1496 | 120 | ▼ down 114 · -11% births |
| 2023 | #1382 | 135 | ▼ down 70 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #1312 | 144 | ▼ down 28 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #1284 | 148 | ▲ up 4997 · +722% births |
| 2020 | #6281 | 18 | ▼ down 3392 · -70% births |
| 2015 | #2889 | 60 | ▲ up 2087 · +114% births |
| 2010 | #4976 | 28 | ▲ up 2936 · +180% births |
| 1990 | #7912 | 10 | ▼ down 1429 |
| 1985 | #6483 | 10 | ▼ down 543 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #5940 | 11 | ▼ down 1975 · -31% births |
| 1975 | #3965 | 16 | ▲ up 1480 · +78% births |
| 1970 | #5445 | 9 | ▼ down 1211 · -10% births |
| 1965 | #4234 | 10 | ▼ down 511 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #3723 | 12 | — |
The story of Lamar
Lamar entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. A total of 34,475 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3477 in 1915 to #1382 in 2023. Lamar is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lamar in 2024:
Lamar by decade
Lamar peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 33 | |
| 1890s | 94 | |
| 1900s | 163 | |
| 1910s | 1,112 | |
| 1920s | 2,183 | |
| 1930s | 2,235 | |
| 1940s | 2,414 | |
| 1950s | 2,853 | |
| 1960s | 2,727 | |
| 1970s | 4,260 | |
| 1980s ★ | 6,174 | |
| 1990s | 3,961 | |
| 2000s | 2,987 | |
| 2010s | 3,081 | |
| 2020s | 470 | |
What are good nicknames for Lamar?
Famous people named Lamar
L(
Lamar (French philosopher)
Lamar carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
L(
Lamar (French author)
Lamar immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
L(
Lamar (French impressionist artist)
Lamar used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
L(
Lamar (medieval French noble)
Lamar held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lamar?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lamar also consider these
How is Lamar written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lamar
What does the name Lamar mean?
Lamar means "اللامع - 'Shining' or 'emerald'" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lamar?
Lamar is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lamar?
Lamar originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Lamar?
Lamar is a two-syllable name pronounced lah-MAHR. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lamar a common or rare name?
Lamar is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.