La
Primarily a girl's name of African origin with 1,442 recorded births. Also given to 314 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A taxonomic genus within the family Crambidae – certain moths.
La is a girl's and boy's baby name that appeared in American birth records as a standalone given name, likely as a creative use of the popular La- prefix that flourished in African American naming traditions of the 1970s and 1980s.
La as a solo name represents the bold minimalism of creative naming — where a single syllable carries the weight of identity. While unusual, it reflects the same inventive spirit as the longer La- prefix names that were beloved in the same era.
EtymologyShow more
La is cataloged under the African naming tradition. African naming traditions are extraordinarily diverse, often tying a child’s name to circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or spiritual significance.
In the U.S., La has been recorded as a girl's name since 1913, with 1,442 total births. Browse the African names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
La has 79+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1913.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 82 | #11317 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 432 | #3331 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 304 | #3775 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 250 | #3003 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 153 | #4013 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 30 | #5701 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 47 | #4297 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 77 | #3350 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 46 | #4473 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 21 | #3582 | — |
The Story of La
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1990, La is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named La are most likely born between 1980 and 2000.
How rare is La?
With 1,442 total births on record, La remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1913, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1990s with 432 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
La by the numbers
- Would fill 30 school buses
- Meeting one La per day would take 4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(79 years, 1913–2007)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 6 | #16641 |
| 2006 | 13 | #9030 |
| 2005 | 9 | #11412 |
| 2004 | 8 | #12254 |
| 2003 | 7 | #13208 |
| 2002 | 6 | #14609 |
| 2001 | 14 | #7551 |
| 2000 | 19 | #5831 |
| 1999 | 28 | #4152 |
| 1998 | 23 | #4725 |
| 1997 | 24 | #4453 |
| 1996 | 19 | #5191 |
| 1995 | 30 | #3631 |
| 1994 | 44 | #2778 |
| 1993 | 55 | #2337 |
| 1992 | 61 | #2207 |
| 1991 | 68 | #2028 |
| 1990 | 80 | #1805 |
| 1989 | 41 | #2740 |
| 1988 | 8 | #8810 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
La as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, La has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 314 births since 1926.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La a boy's or girl's name?
When was La most popular?
How popular is the name La?
Can La be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1913–2007