The name Lamar is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people of West Africa. It means "higher" or "loftier" in their language. The name has been popularized in Western culture by various notable individuals such as Lamar University, named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, a former president of the Republic of Texas; and Lamar Odom, a professional basketball player.
The name Lamar is believed to have originated from the Mandinka people's reverence for heights and elevated positions. It reflects their appreciation for leadership, power, and prestige. The name has also been adopted by other African cultures and has since spread throughout the world.
Historically, the name Lamar gained prominence during the Texas Revolution in the 19th century when Mirabeau B. Lamar served as the second president of the Republic of Texas from 1838 to 1841. He was a vocal advocate for education and played a significant role in establishing public schools in Texas.
Today, the name Lamar is still used among African-American families and has become more widespread due to its association with successful individuals like Lamar Odom. Despite its growing popularity, the name Lamar remains deeply rooted in its African heritage, carrying with it the connotation of elevation and prestige.
The name Lamar has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1882 and 2023, there have been a total of 33,723 births with the name Lamar.
The popularity of the name Lamar has fluctuated over time. In the early years, from 1882 to 1900, the number of births with the name Lamar was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 16 births per year. However, starting from 1907, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Lamar, with the number of births reaching 31 that year.
The peak of popularity for the name Lamar occurred in 1977, with 515 births recorded that year. This high level of popularity continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with over 500 births per year from 1977 to 1988.
However, since the late 1980s, there has been a decline in the popularity of the name Lamar. From 1989 to 2023, the number of births with the name Lamar has decreased each decade, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 135 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Lamar remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their child. The historical data shows that while trends may come and go, some names like Lamar continue to be chosen by parents across generations due to their unique sound and meaning.