Lamar Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: luh-MAR /ləˈmɑːr/
Origin: French; Arabic
Meaning: French: 'the land'; Arabic: 'the one who is exalted'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lamar has its roots in the Old French word "lamare," which means "the sea" or "the water." This term likely derived from the Latin "lamaris," which carries similar meanings related to bodies of water. The name entered the English language during the Middle Ages, influenced by the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French words and names were adopted into English vernacular.
As a result, Lamar can be seen as a name that reflects a connection to nature, particularly to water, which has historically held significant symbolic meaning in various cultures. Throughout history, the name Lamar has been associated with various notable figures.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name can be traced back to the 19th century in the United States, where it was used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name. The name gained prominence through figures such as the American politician Mirabeau B.
Lamar, who served as the second president of the Republic of Texas in the 1840s. His contributions to Texas history and governance helped to solidify the name's association with leadership and strength.
Culturally, Lamar has resonated within African American communities, where it has been embraced as a symbol of heritage and identity. The name has been used in various artistic expressions, including music and literature, which further contribute to its cultural significance.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Lami" have emerged in some contexts, showcasing the name's adaptability and personal connection among those who bear it. Overall, Lamar embodies a rich linguistic history and cultural depth, reflecting both natural elements and historical legacy.
Famous people named Lamar
Fictional characters named Lamar
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lamar was first seen in the United States in 1882. Lamar has ranked as high as #604 nationally, which occurred in 1989, and has been most popular in Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Lamar has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lamar (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 13 | |
| CA | 9 | |
| FL | 9 | |
| PA | 8 | |
| MI | 7 | |
| NY | 7 | |
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1882 | 5 |
| 1885 | 14 |
| 1887 | 7 |
| 1888 | 7 |
| 1890 | 5 |
| 1891 | 5 |
| 1892 | 10 |
| 1893 | 10 |
| 1894 | 10 |
| 1895 | 10 |
| 1896 | 7 |
| 1897 | 15 |
| 1898 | 10 |
| 1899 | 12 |
| 1900 | 16 |
| 1901 | 14 |
| 1902 | 15 |
| 1903 | 6 |
| 1904 | 10 |
| 1905 | 15 |
| 1906 | 17 |
| 1907 | 31 |
| 1908 | 19 |
| 1909 | 20 |
| 1910 | 34 |
| 1911 | 29 |
| 1912 | 52 |
| 1913 | 78 |
| 1914 | 99 |
| 1915 | 125 |
| 1916 | 167 |
| 1917 | 163 |
| 1918 | 161 |
| 1919 | 163 |
| 1920 | 183 |
| 1921 | 179 |
| 1922 | 189 |
| 1923 | 209 |
| 1924 | 234 |
| 1925 | 237 |
| 1926 | 221 |
| 1927 | 224 |
| 1928 | 233 |
| 1929 | 216 |
| 1930 | 228 |
| 1931 | 216 |
| 1932 | 229 |
| 1933 | 244 |
| 1934 | 221 |
| 1935 | 216 |
| 1936 | 198 |
| 1937 | 220 |
| 1938 | 211 |
| 1939 | 210 |
| 1940 | 212 |
| 1941 | 218 |
| 1942 | 225 |
| 1943 | 241 |
| 1944 | 223 |
| 1945 | 198 |
| 1946 | 216 |
| 1947 | 277 |
| 1948 | 284 |
| 1949 | 267 |
| 1950 | 276 |
| 1951 | 283 |
| 1952 | 275 |
| 1953 | 273 |
| 1954 | 291 |
| 1955 | 282 |
| 1956 | 272 |
| 1957 | 279 |
| 1958 | 261 |
| 1959 | 272 |
| 1960 | 267 |
| 1961 | 259 |
| 1962 | 261 |
| 1963 | 224 |
| 1964 | 257 |
| 1965 | 240 |
| 1966 | 220 |
| 1967 | 262 |
| 1968 | 302 |
| 1969 | 314 |
| 1970 | 400 |
| 1971 | 388 |
| 1972 | 424 |
| 1973 | 346 |
| 1974 | 323 |
| 1975 | 322 |
| 1976 | 362 |
| 1977 | 516 |
| 1978 | 483 |
| 1979 | 573 |
| 1980 | 611 |
| 1981 | 586 |
| 1982 | 549 |
| 1983 | 600 |
| 1984 | 548 |
| 1985 | 535 |
| 1986 | 617 |
| 1987 | 613 |
| 1988 | 668 |
| 1989 | 737 |
| 1990 | 689 |
| 1991 | 550 |
| 1992 | 496 |
| 1993 | 405 |
| 1994 | 372 |
| 1995 | 306 |
| 1996 | 296 |
| 1997 | 323 |
| 1998 | 251 |
| 1999 | 256 |
| 2000 | 286 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 242 |
| 2003 | 238 |
| 2004 | 263 |
| 2005 | 303 |
| 2006 | 340 |
| 2007 | 339 |
| 2008 | 308 |
| 2009 | 293 |
| 2010 | 333 |
| 2011 | 314 |
| 2012 | 288 |
| 2013 | 327 |
| 2014 | 268 |
| 2015 | 277 |
| 2016 | 230 |
| 2017 | 234 |
| 2018 | 200 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 148 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 135 |
| 2024 | 117 |