MallowbyNames

Lari

LAHR-ee · Diminutive of Larissa or Loretta; possibly also derived from the Etruscan 'Lars' meaning 'lord'.

Peak popularity
1959
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Lari since 1942

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

1427411960198020002020Most births 1959Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s57
1950s184
1960s268
1970s184
1980s60
1990s75
2000s13
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Lari is a concise name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1942, and while it has never broken into the top tier of popularity, it reached its highest usage in 1959. Over the decades, its usage has remained stable, with a slight resurgence in the 1950s, a decade that saw many short, feminine names. Although precise one-in-N statistics are unavailable, its trajectory suggests it remains a rare choice, often appealing to parents seeking a brief, friendly name with diminutive charm. Lari's top states are not documented, indicating widespread but infrequent use across the country.

Lari is primarily a diminutive of Larissa, a name of Greek origin meaning 'citadel', or Loretta, an English name derived from the laurel tree. It may also have roots in the Etruscan name Lars, meaning 'lord'. The name has seen moderate use in the United States since the mid-20th century, often as a nickname or independent given name.

Sibling names for Lari

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

Sisters: Lena, Mara, Tessa, Cora, Nora

Brothers: Leo, Eli, Finn, Jude, Seth

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

L is for Lari, our favorite little girl.

L is for Lari…”

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

Make Lari's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Lari mean?
Lari is often a diminutive of Larissa (meaning 'citadel') or Loretta (meaning 'laurel'), but it may also have Etruscan origins meaning 'lord'.
How popular is the name Lari currently?
Lari has not ranked in the top 1000 in recent years. Its peak year was 1959, when it was given to a small number of babies, though it has maintained steady but low usage.
Is Lari a boy or girl name?
Lari is typically used as a girl's name, though it could be considered unisex in some contexts.