"of the sea, of the lake"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
Lamar
Pronunciation: [ l-uhm-AHR ]
Does Lamar flow with your last name?
From the French bayous to the Pulitzer stage
African American
French
American
Southern US
Strong
Bold
Classic
Vintage
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Lamar
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"from the pool or marsh"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
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The Story of Lamar
Lamar is a French surname turned given name, derived from the French phrase 'de la mare' meaning 'of the sea' or 'of the pool/lake.' It was common as an aristocratic French family name and was carried to the American South, where it was adopted as a first name. In the 19th century, it gained prestige through prominent Southern figures like Senator Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II of Mississippi.
Lamar peaked in the United States during the 1960s-1970s, particularly in African American communities where French-origin surnames were fashionable as given names. Today, the name carries renewed cultural cachet through rapper Kendrick Lamar, who became the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize.
In African American naming tradition, Lamar represents the rich French-Creole influence on Southern American culture. Through the Civil Rights era, it carried connotations of dignity and intellectual aspiration. Kendrick Lamar has added a powerful contemporary chapter to its legacy.
Historical Record
Lamar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 25,806 babies have been named Lamar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lamar is past its peak , currently ranked #1,517 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018 for his album 'DAMN.'
- Hedy Lamarr, Golden Age actress of the 1940s, co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication system that became the technological foundation for Bluetooth and WiFi
Lamar in Other Languages
Arabic
لامار
Creole
Lamar
French
Lamar
Spanish
Lamar
Popularity Over Time
#1,517
Current Rank
Peaked 1980
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lamar
K
Kendrick Lamar
Musician
1987
Compton-born rapper and songwriter, first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (2018) for 'DAMN.' — widely conside...
Compton-born rapper and songwriter, first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (2018) for 'DAMN.' — widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time
L
Lamar Odom
Athlete
1979
NBA champion who won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2011
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Compare Lamar with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,517
- Total SSA Count
- 117
- Cultural Origins
- African American French American Southern US
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mar
Lam
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lamar
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Lamar is also used as a girl name, ranked #6615.
View Lamar as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (African American)
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Hebrew origin
"held by the heel (biblical reference)"
#1,590 in US
Alakai
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Hawaiian origin
"path to the sea"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar
What does the name Lamar mean?
"of the sea, of the lake" (from Old French). "from the pool or marsh" (from Old French). Lamar is a French surname turned given name, derived from the French phrase 'de la mare' meaning 'of the sea' or 'of the pool/lake.' It was common as an aristocratic French family name and was carried to the American South, where it was adopted as a first name. In the 19th century, it gained prestige through prominent Southern figures like Senator Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II of Mississippi.
What is the origin of the name Lamar?
Lamar has Old French, African American, French, American, and Southern US origins. In Old French, it means "of the sea, of the lake". In Old French, it means "from the pool or marsh".
Is Lamar a boy or girl name?
Lamar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1517. As a girl name, it is ranked #6615. 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 #1517 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lamar?
Common nicknames for Lamar include Mar and Lam.
What are good middle names for Lamar?
Popular middle name pairings include Lamar James, Lamar Anthony, Lamar Marcus, Lamar Deon, and Lamar Robert.
What are good sibling names for Lamar?
Names that pair well with Lamar as siblings include Marcus, Jada, Deon, Imani, and Kendrick.
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 #1517 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Lamar
Lamar is a boy name with African American, French, American, and Southern US origins . The name means "of the sea, of the lake" in Old French .
Is Lamar a boy or girl name? Lamar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,517 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,615. Lamar is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lamar is currently ranked #1,517 in popularity for boy 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 Mar and Lam. 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