MallowbyNames

Laraine

luh-RAYN · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Lorraine or a feminine form of Lawrence.

Peak popularity
1945
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Laraine since 1913

Babies named Laraine per year in U.S. Social Security records.

89179268192019602000Most births 1947Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s29
1920s196
1930s160
1940s1,534
1950s863
1960s338
1970s127
1980s119
1990s37
2000s28
2010s24
2020s23

Meaning & origin

The name Laraine exemplifies the feminine name coinages of early 20th century America. First recorded in 1913, it rose to its peak popularity in 1945, reflecting the era's fashion for melodic, French-inflected names ending in -aine. Its trajectory has been stable but low, and it has never ranked in the top 1000. The name's uncertain origin, possibly derived from Lorraine or Lawrence, adds to its quiet charm. While it never reached the heights of similar names like Lorraine, Laraine remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a vintage feel.

Laraine is likely a modern English coinage, possibly inspired by the French region Lorraine (from Lothair's Kingdom) or a feminine variant of Lawrence (from Latin Laurentius, meaning 'from Laurentum'). It emerged in the early 20th century, peaking in popularity in the 1940s, but its exact derivation remains unclear.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lara, Rain, Lari

Variants: Lorraine, Laraine, Larayne, Larain

Sibling names for Laraine

Names that share Laraine's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Laraine, our favorite little girl.

L is for Laraine…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Laraine's letter becomes Laraine's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Laraine's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Laraine mean?
The meaning of Laraine is uncertain. It may be a variant of Lorraine, which refers to the region in France, or a feminine form of Lawrence, meaning 'from Laurentum'.
How popular is the name Laraine today?
Laraine is no longer in the top 1000 names. Its peak popularity was in 1945, and it is now rarely used.
Is Laraine a boy's or girl's name?
Laraine is almost exclusively a girl's name, though it can be used as a unisex variant of Lawrence.