Declining since 1985, #1,084 for boys today.
Popularity of Larry since 1880
Babies named Larry per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 150 |
| 1890s | 299 |
| 1900s | 634 |
| 1910s | 2,576 |
| 1920s | 7,219 |
| 1930s | 65,249 |
| 1940s | 255,908 |
| 1950s | 245,698 |
| 1960s | 108,582 |
| 1970s | 58,138 |
| 1980s | 31,278 |
| 1990s | 15,946 |
| 2000s | 9,139 |
| 2010s | 5,345 |
| 2020s | 1,427 |
Meaning & origin
Larry enjoyed tremendous popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. At its peak in 1947, it was one of the most favored names for boys, securing a rank that reflected widespread appeal. According to Social Security data, Larry was a top 100 name from the 1930s through the 1960s. However, its trajectory has been on a steady decline since 1985, and by 2025 it has fallen to rank 1084, with only about 1 in every 8,627 baby boys receiving the name. This long slide mirrors the aging of the generation that popularized it, as newer parents have turned away from the no-frills, friendly feel of names like Larry in favor of more modern or vintage revivals. In addition to its national trend, Larry shows distinct regional preferences, with its strongest recent showings in Louisiana, Kansas, and Missouri, suggesting a lingering fondness in the central and southern United States. The nickname-turned-given-name retains a casual, approachable image, though its use today is increasingly rare for newborns.
Larry began as a medieval English diminutive of Lawrence or Laurence, names derived from the Latin Laurentius, meaning 'man from Laurentum', a city in ancient Italy. The laurel tree was a symbol of victory in classical times, lending the name an association with honor. By the 19th century, Larry had become an independent given name in English-speaking countries, often used informally. Its straightforward, friendly sound contributed to its widespread use as both a given name and nickname well into the 20th century.
Where Larry 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.
“Larry” around the world
Where Larry lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Larry
Names that share Larry's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Nancy, Sandra, Kathy, Linda, Donna, Cheryl, Darlene, Karen, Lori, Lynda, Lynne, Marsha, Rhonda, Ronda, Shari, Sharon, Sheri, Sherrie, Sherry, Sheryl, Terri, Tricia, Vicki, Caren, Charla, Cheri, Cherlyn, Darla, Deann, Debby, Gayla, Geri, Gerri, Glenda, Jeri, Jerri, Jolyn, Kary, Lesa, Lindy, Lorinda, Lorri, Lorrie, Lyndi, Ronna, Sharlene, Sharron, Tambra, Tamra, Terrie, Vonda, Carri, Cheryle, Cheryll, Cinda, Darice, Debbra, Deeann, Denita, Detra, Jeralyn, Karry, Larita, Lavonda, Londa, Loree, Lorry, Lory, Lynna, Merri, Perri, Raelene, Sandie, Sharie, Sharyl, Sherell, Sherie, Sherilyn, Sherree, Sherril, Sherryl, Sheryll, Tamie, Tangela, Valinda, Wonda, Barri, Branda, Brendalee, Carylon, Charyl, Chery, Cindia, Cynda, Cyndie, Darlean, Deeanne, Drenda, Gaylynn, Gerilyn, Glennda, Jillene, Joelene, Jonda, Leaann, Leasa, Lezlee, Linell, Lorenda, Lorilee, Lorra, Lourie, Lynnda, Marlinda, Pamla, Renda, Revonda, Roshell, Scherry, Sharman, Sharmon, Sharrie, Sharry, Sheliah, Sherian, Sherida, Sheril, Sherlin, Sherre, Sherrye, Sheryle, Sonji, Suann, Sundra, Terria, Terrilyn, Terrye, Waynette, Arlisa, Brendalyn, Cheril, Cherly, Cherlynn, Cheryln, Chyrl, Cynde, Cyndia, Cynithia, Debbe, Debria, Deby, Drinda, Dwanda, Gaylyn, Jerie, Johnda, Ladeana, Ladene, Laree, Laretha, Loletha, Loralyn, Lorilyn, Lynita, Lynnann, Mardi, Marvette, Marylene, Pamula, Ralene, Ronalee, Sande, Scherrie, Scheryl, Sharel, Sharra, Sharren, Shary, Shellia, Sherill, Shirell, Shirlean, Sonda, Tangee, Taralee, Tarri, Terie, Wenda, Deetra, Charman, Cheryal, Cherylee, Cheyrl, Darlisa, Darlys, Darrelyn, Debe, Delrae, Deneice, Geryl, Jerita, Lacheryl, Lafreda, Larie, Lauriann, Leanette, Lendy, Lorann, Lorilynn, Lurleen, Lynnel, Maronda, Marshella, Marshia, Rexann, Rhanda, Rhenda, Rhonna, Shalona, Sharlena, Sharlett, Sharlynn, Sheralee, Sherilee, Sherion, Sherleen, Sherlonda, Sherral, Sherryll, Teriann, Terrilee, Toyna, Trease
Brothers: Gary, Terry, Jerry, Barry, Harry, Gerry, Randy, Rodney, Bart, Dewayne, Garry, Jeryl, Karon, Perry, Darry, Darryll, Daryle, Daryll, Deryl, Garey, Geary, Sheron, Terryl, Darral, Daryel, Derryl, Garrie, Gayland, Gery, Rodd, Ronn, Tarry, Bary, Darrall, Darrly, Gregary, Ladell, Larone, Ranell, Ronnel, Daril, Darrie, Dary, Duanne, Duwane, Gaylin, Jarry, Jerryl, Jery, Marv, Raydell, Rockney, Shiron
Names like Larry
Names whose popularity has moved with Larry's over the last 50 years.
