Ladarius

Meaning & origin

Ladarius is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security baby name list in 1976. It reached its peak in 1995, ranking significantly higher than it does today, and has been declining in use since that year. In 2025, it was given to about 1 in every 89,899 boys, placing it at rank 5,045. The name is most commonly found in Alabama, reflecting its strongest regional popularity. Ladarius exemplifies the creative naming patterns within African American communities, fusing the prefix La- with the classical name Darius. This construction places it within a broader trend of names like Lamar, Lashawn, and Latroy that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. While never among the most common names, Ladarius has a distinct presence, particularly in the American South. Its decline since the 1990s mirrors wider shifts in naming tastes, but it remains a recognizable choice for parents seeking a modern name with a traditional root.

Ladarius is a modern American name formed by blending the fashionable prefix La- (as found in names like LaToya or Lashawn) with the ancient Persian name Darius, which derives from the Old Persian Darayavahuš meaning 'possessing goodness' or 'upholding goodness.' This inventive construction emerged in the late 20th century, reflecting a trend of creating distinctive, euphonious names. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s.