Name Meaning

Larry Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

Larry is a popular given name for boys. It has a rich history and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning, popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people with the name Larry.

Meaning of the Name Larry

The name Larry is an English baby name. It is a variant of the name Laurence, which means “from Laurentum.” Laurentum was an ancient city in Italy, and the name is derived from the Latin word “laurus,” meaning “laurel tree.”

The laurel tree is associated with victory and distinction, and it was often used to make wreaths for victorious athletes, scholars, and poets in ancient Greece and Rome. As a result, the name Laurence became associated with honor and achievement.

Popularity

The name Larry was most popular in the United States from the 1940s to the 1960s. It peaked in popularity in 1950 when it was the 23rd most popular name for baby boys. Since then, its popularity has declined. In recent years, the name Larry has not been among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States.

History and Cultural Significance

The name Larry has a rich history and cultural significance. In medieval Europe, the name Laurence was associated with the martyred Christian saint, St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence was a deacon in the early Christian church who was martyred for his faith in 258 AD. He is the patron saint of cooks, comedians, and librarians.

In addition to its Christian associations, the name Larry has also been associated with popular culture. For example, the character Larry in the television show “Three’s Company” was played by actor Richard Kline. The character was known for his wit and humor.

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The name Larry has also been associated with sports. Many famous athletes have borne the name, including Larry Bird, a former professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Famous People Named Larry

There have been many famous people throughout history named Larry. Here are a few notable examples:

  • Larry Bird, former professional basketball player
  • Larry David, comedian and creator of the television show “Seinfeld”
  • Larry Fitzgerald, professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
  • Larry King, television and radio host
  • Larry Page, co-founder of Google
  • Lawrence “Larry” Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation

Variations of the Name Larry

There are several variations of the name Larry, including:

  • Laurence
  • Lawrence
  • Lars
  • Lorenzo

Final Thoughts

The name Larry has a long and storied history. It is derived from the Latin word for the laurel tree, which was associated with victory and distinction in ancient Greece and Rome. The name has been associated with honor, achievement, and humor throughout history and popular culture. While its popularity has declined in recent years, it remains a popular name for those looking for a traditional, classic name for their baby boy.