"of the sea, near the water"
Origin: French
Language: English
Lamar
Pronunciation: [ l-uhm-AHR ]
Does Lamar flow with your last name?
A name of the sea, bold across gender lines
French
Spanish
American
African-American
Bold
Strong
Unique
Modern
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Lamar
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"the pool or lake"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated as a male name, particularly in African-American culture
The Story of Lamar
Lamar originates from the French surname de la mare meaning of the sea or of the pool, referring to someone who lived near a body of water. It traveled through French and Spanish colonial territories and became established as a given name, especially in the American South and in African-American naming traditions. As a girls name, it represents gender-nonconforming use of a traditionally masculine name.
Lamar gained prominence as a male given name in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in African-American communities. Its use for girls is rare but represents the broader trend of traditionally male names crossing gender lines.
In African-American culture, Lamar has been a dignified masculine name associated with achievement. The rapper Kendrick Lamar elevated the names cultural profile significantly in the 2010s. As a girls name it carries a sense of gender-defying strength.
Historical Record
Lamar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,070 babies have been named Lamar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lamar is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,615 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The surname La Mar was common in medieval France for families living near marshes or pools
- Lamar Alexander served as US Secretary of Education and Senator from Tennessee, one of many notable Lamars in American public life
Lamar in Other Languages
Arabic
بحر (Bahr)
French
De la Mare
Italian
Del Mare
Spanish
La Mar
Portuguese
Do Mar
Popularity Over Time
#6,615
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lamar
K
Kendrick Lamar
Musician
1987
Pulitzer Prize-winning American rapper widely considered one of the greatest of all time
L
Lamar Odom
Athlete
1979
Two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers
L
Lamar Alexander
Politician
1940
US Senator from Tennessee and former Secretary of Education
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Compare Lamar with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,615
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- French Spanish American African-American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Lamar
Mara
Mar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lamar
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lamar is also used as a boy name, ranked #1517.
View Lamar as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (French)
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Arabic/Persian origin
"of Jilan, elevated place"
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Jazlynne
Girl
American English origin
"jazz + lovely (modern construction)"
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Old Norse origin
"island of Geirr (Old Norse place name)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar
What does the name Lamar mean?
"of the sea, near the water" (from French). "the pool or lake" (from Old French). Lamar originates from the French surname de la mare meaning of the sea or of the pool, referring to someone who lived near a body of water. It traveled through French and Spanish colonial territories and became established as a given name, especially in the American South and in African-American naming traditions. As a girls name, it represents gender-nonconforming use of a traditionally masculine name.
What is the origin of the name Lamar?
Lamar has French, Old French, Spanish, American, and African-American origins. In French, it means "of the sea, near the water". In Old French, it means "the pool or lake".
Is Lamar a boy or girl name?
Lamar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6615. As a boy name, it is ranked #1517. Lamar is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lamar?
Lamar is pronounced l-uhm-AHR.
How popular is the name Lamar?
Lamar is currently ranked #6615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lamar?
Common nicknames for Lamar include Lamar, Mara, and Mar.
What are good middle names for Lamar?
Popular middle name pairings include Lamar Grace, Lamar Nicole, Lamar Renee, Lamar Joy, Lamar Simone, and Lamar Estelle.
What are good sibling names for Lamar?
Names that pair well with Lamar as siblings include Kendrick, Damon, Nia, Zara, Marcus, and Tamara.
How many syllables does Lamar have?
Lamar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lamar a common or rare name?
Lamar is an uncommon name, ranked #6615 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Lamar
Lamar is a girl name with French, Spanish, American, and African-American origins . The name means "of the sea, near the water" in French .
Is Lamar a boy or girl name? Lamar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,615 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,517. Lamar is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lamar is currently ranked #6,615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lamar has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-uhm-AHR, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lamar include Lamar, Mara, and Mar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis