Lala: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath".It derives from the Latin word "Laurus".
The name Lala carries a rich history rooted in Latin culture. Derived from "Laurus", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Latin-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Lala
Quick facts about Lala
Origin
Latin
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Laurus
How to Pronounce Lala
Lala is pronounced /ˈlɑːlə/(Latin)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Lal-a
Say it like: "LAHLOOH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across spanish, and portuguese speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
spanishportuguese
Name Relationships
Lala is an affectionate diminutive of Laura, commonly used in spanish speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.
Lala means "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons.". The name comes from Laurus. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Lala for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Lala's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Lala?
Lala is a latin name. The name traces back to Laurus. From its latin roots, Lala spread to become common in spanish, portuguese. The latin meaning "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Lala a boy or girl name?
Lala is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Lala has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Lala?
Lala is pronounced "/ˈlɑːlə/". This pronunciation follows la language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Lala is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in spanish, portuguese, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Lala can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Lala?
Lala is commonly used as a nickname for Laura. As a diminutive of Laura, Lala started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Laura go by Lala throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In latin cultures, using Lala as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Lala as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Lala on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Lala?
Lala is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Lala offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Lala's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Lala holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Lala commonly used?
Lala is common in spanish and portuguese naming traditions. Though latin in origin, Lala found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Lala into their naming traditions. A child named Lala will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Lala is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Lala?
Lala carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name means “Laurel, from the place of laurel trees, laurel branch, laurel wreath.” The Laurel tree was sacred to the god Apollo and is a symbol of wisdom and glory. The name Laura and its variants are derived from the “bay laurel plant,” which was used as a symbol of victory, honor, or fame in the Greco-Roman era. In British North America, Laura’s name was likely trendy for female newborns until its rapid decline starting in the late 19th-century. The name Laura was among the top 40 names for female newborns for much of the late 19th-century in the United States until it dropped off the chart in 1899 at #43. Saint Laura of Cordoba (Spanish: Santa Laura de Córdoba) († 864) was a Spanish Christian who lived in Muslim Spain during the 9th-century. The Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891–1904) is a Chilean holy figure canonized as blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the patron of abuse victims. Saints Florus and Laurus are venerated as Christian martyrs of the 2nd-century. According to a Greek tale, they were twin brothers who worked as stonemasons." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Lala originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Lala sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Lala often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In spanish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.