Holding steady, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Lama since 1978
Babies named Lama per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 131 |
| 2000s | 118 |
| 2010s | 154 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Lama is a name of uncertain origin with multiple possible roots, including Arabic and African. In the United States, it entered the Social Security Administration's records in 1978 and reached its peak popularity in 2019, though it has remained a rare name overall. As of 2025, it ranks 7,133, with an estimated 1 in 107,151 births given this name. The name's trajectory has been relatively stable over recent decades, and it does not show signs of a revival. Its ambiguous origins and exotic sound make it an uncommon but intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with cross-cultural appeal.
The name Lama has multiple potential origins. In Arabic, it is derived from the word 'lam'a' meaning 'darkness of the lips', possibly referring to a beautiful dark mouth or a dark complexion. Alternatively, it may be an African name from various ethnic groups, where 'lama' can mean 'antelope' in some Bantu languages. The Arabic origin is more widely known in the Western context, but the name's exact derivation remains uncertain.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Lamae, Lamah
Sibling names for Lama
Names that share Lama's style, for a brother or sister.
