Larae

Meaning & origin

Larae is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1919. It reached its peak popularity in 1975, ranking 8,860 in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 146,115 births. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1987, reflecting a steady decline in use over recent decades. While its exact meaning remains unclear, Larae likely originated as a blend of Lara and Rae, following a pattern of combining short, melodic names. It has not been heavily associated with any specific geographic region, as no top states are recorded for its usage. Despite its decline, Larae retains a distinct and feminine sound that appeals to parents seeking a less common name.

Larae first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century, likely as a combination of the name Lara (itself a short form of Larissa or a Latin-derived name) and the popular suffix Rae. It also resembles the Irish surname Larai or the French L'arae, but no direct connection is well-attested. The name gained modest use in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1975, before declining.