Declining since 1989, #1,514 for boys today.
Popularity of Lamar since 1882
Babies named Lamar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 33 |
| 1890s | 94 |
| 1900s | 163 |
| 1910s | 1,071 |
| 1920s | 2,125 |
| 1930s | 2,193 |
| 1940s | 2,360 |
| 1950s | 2,764 |
| 1960s | 2,606 |
| 1970s | 4,137 |
| 1980s | 6,064 |
| 1990s | 3,944 |
| 2000s | 2,900 |
| 2010s | 2,668 |
| 2020s | 845 |
Meaning & origin
Lamar is a name with an uncertain but intriguing etymology, possibly rooted in Old French or Germanic origins. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1882 and saw a surge in popularity during the 1980s, reaching its peak rank in 1989. In 2025, the name was given to approximately 1 in 14,853 baby boys, placing it at rank 1514. Its usage has been declining since its peak in 1989, with notable popularity in states like Ohio, Georgia, and Indiana. Despite the downturn, Lamar retains a distinguished sound and a sense of modern classicism.
The name Lamar is of uncertain origin. It may derive from the Old French 'la mare', meaning 'the pool' or 'the pond', used as a locational surname. Alternatively, it could have Germanic roots, from elements meaning 'famous' and 'army'. It emerged as a given name in the United States in the late 19th century, gaining popularity particularly in the 1980s.
Where Lamar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lamar” around the world
Where Lamar lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Lamarr
Sibling names for Lamar
Names that share Lamar's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Courtney, Brittany, Tara, Sheila, Natalie, Lanisha, Latonya, Latoya, Lakiesha, Lasandra, Lashawna, Lashay, Latara, Latonia, Latoria, Marquisha, Shalonda, Shaneka, Tarsha, Teisha, Twana, Dawanna, Kawanna, Kysha, Lachandra, Lacresha, Lafonda, Lagina, Laketa, Lamesha, Laqueta, Laquetta, Lashaundra, Lasheena, Lashondra, Lashone, Lashundra, Lasondra, Lateesha, Latorya, Lavette, Shenise, Sherise, Shontae, Shontay, Shontell, Acquanetta, Charnette, Chenille, Chequita, Cherrell, Dalisa, Demeka, Javonda, Kennethia, Lacrystal, Ladaisha, Lajoy, Lakeita, Laportia, Lasaundra, Lashara, Lasheka, Latessa, Latrina, Latroya, Monquie, Nechelle, Rashawna, Reshonda, Sequita, Shandreka, Shemeika, Shenique, Sherronda, Shiquita, Tajuana, Latiana, Letonya, Luwanna, Carnetta, Chalonda, Charmeka, Cheronda, Contrina, Deniqua, Deshanda, Donyetta, Jalonda, Jermanie, Jowanda, Labrina, Labrittany, Lachele, Lacoya, Lacreasha, Laketia, Laketta, Laparis, Laquida, Larrisha, Lashan, Lashannon, Lashaye, Lashuna, Lataja, Latangela, Latish, Latonga, Mikisha, Ricquel, Shalawn, Shaleta, Sharnise, Shawonda, Shelanda, Taquisha, Teonia, Trenika, Trenita, Tuwanna, Tyrhonda, Vernesha
Brothers: Darryl, Byron, Travis, Phillip, Malik, Derrell, Jarrell, Demetric, Dontrell, Gaylon, Jamaine, Ladarius, Lamarr, Lanell, Lavell, Ronnell, Jermichael, Lamari, Lamark, Laray, Larell, Larnell, Lawayne, Lemarcus, Marquies, Rondale, Shawndell, Shondell, Termaine, Trashawn, Trenell, Carvell, Cleavon, Dorrell, Labrandon, Ladarian, Lamonta, Lamount, Lavance, Lavaris, Lavel, Quitman, Shajuan, Quintell, Artrell, Cordarro, Daquawn, Delawrence, Labarron, Lamelo, Lamone, Lavalle, Lavarius, Markevious, Raymar, Sederick, Shamond, Tranell
Names like Lamar
Names whose popularity has moved with Lamar's over the last 50 years.
