LA is an intriguing name that can work for both boys and girls. The name LA is short, sweet, and open to creative interpretations. When people hear the name LA, some may think of the popular city Los Angeles. Others may associate it with the musical note “la.” There are also ties to Latin roots like “laetus” meaning happy or joyful. So whether you choose LA as a nickname or given name, it offers flexibility and style. In this article, we’ll explore the background, meanings, and usage of LA as a girl’s name.
What Does the Name LA Mean?
The name LA has a few potential meanings and origins:
– Abbreviation of names like Laura, Lauren, Layla etc. LA works well as a shortened form of many female names.
– Reference to Los Angeles. LA is the iconic abbreviation for the city of Los Angeles, California. This meaning ties into glamour, beaches, entertainment, and more.
– Musical note “la.” The syllable “la” is used for the musical note “A” in the solfege scale. This gives the name artistic and lyrical overtones.
– Latin root “laetus.” In Latin, “laetus” translates to happy, joyful, or lucky. This positive meaning gives the name an uplifting vibe.
– “Beloved” in Persian. Some sources suggest the name LA means “beloved” in Persian culture. This lovely meaning makes it a sweet term of endearment.
So in summary, LA has ties to abbreviation, locations, music, Latin roots, and endearments in other languages. All of these possible meanings give dimension and depth to the short and simple name LA.
Popularity of LA for Girls
LA has been growing in usage as a name for American girls:
– It first appeared on the U.S. female baby name charts in 1951.
– The name was most popular between 1970 and 1990. It peaked at #653 in 1974.
– After fading in popularity after the 1990s, LA started climbing the charts again in 2014.
– In 2020, it ranked #1885, up from #2733 in 2010.
So while LA may not be an extremely common name, it is becoming more popular again for American girls after a period of declining usage. The variety of meanings and associations with LA also help give it fresh appeal.
Famous People Named LA
A number of celebrities and notable figures have had the name LA:
– La La Anthony – Television personality, actress, entrepreneur
– La India – Puerto Rican singer of salsa and Latin pop
– La’Porsha Renae – American Idol contestant and singer
– La La Land – Oscar winning musical film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
While the name LA is uncommon, its use by some high-profile stars continues to boost its visibility and popularity. The name appeals in the entertainment industry because of its Los Angeles ties.
| Year | Rank for Girls |
|---|---|
| 2020 | #1885 |
| 2010 | #2733 |
| 2000 | #2071 |
| 1990 | #1277 |
| 1980 | #1038 |
| 1970 | #653 |
How to Pronounce LA
The name LA is pronounced just how it looks:
– LAY – Rhymes with day, say, way
– LAH – Rhymes with spa, bra, ha
Both one-syllable pronunciations are common for this short, simple name. LA can make a snappy first name on its own or a cute nickname for a longer name.
Popularity in Other Languages
The name LA isn’t just growing for English speakers. It has appeal internationally as well:
– Popular in Spanish speaking countries. LA has ranked in the top 1000 girls’ names in Spain and Chile.
– Used in Eastern European countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Macedonia.
– Gaining traction in France, England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.
Part of the global appeal of LA may tie back to its Latin roots and easily cross-cultural styling. It travels well across languages and geographies.
Cute Nickname for Laura
One of the most common ways LA is used for girls is as a nickname for longer names like:
– Laura
– Lauren
– Layla
– Lacie
– Larissa
– Lana
Laura has long been a popular name, ranking #660 for U.S. girls in 2020. LA offers an on-trend, breezy short version of this classic name. Laura itself means “laurel” or “bay laurel plant,” which were symbols of honor in ancient Greece and Rome.
Middle Name Options
Finding compatible middle names can give more length and substance to the first name LA:
– LA Jane
– LA Kate
– LA Marie
– LA Grace
– LA Louise
– LA Mae
– LA Belle
– LA Joy
LA also pairs well with family surnames in the middle name spot:
– LA Wilson
– LA Thompson
– LA Matthews
Cute Name Combinations
If LA is being used as a nickname, here are some first and middle combos that allow it as a natural short form:
– Layla Jane (LA)
– Lana Kate (LA)
– Laura Mae (LA)
– Lacie Belle (LA)
– Larissa Grace (LA)
You can embrace LA as the perfect built-in nickname for your little girl.
Pop Culture References
The use of LA in movies, songs, and books help keep it current in pop culture:
– “L.A. Woman” – Classic song by The Doors
– La La Land – Oscar winning 2016 musical film
– “L.A.” by The Briggs – Upbeat punk rock song
– L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad – Popular YA novel series
– “LA” by Robin Thicke – R&B song referencing Los Angeles
As pop culture continues to have a fascination with Los Angeles, the nickname LA remains stylish and relevant.
Gender Neutral Name
While historically more popular for girls, LA can work for boys too:
– LA works well as a nickname for Lawrence, Landon, Lamar etc.
– Musician LA Reid is a famous male namesake.
– LA maintains a gender neutral vibe thanks to ties to the city and music note.
– The sound of the name feels youthful and breezy for either boys or girls.
There are options to make a boys’ LA name feel even more masculine, such as:
– LA Harris
– LA Bryant
– LA Montgomery
– LA Davis
So while it leans female, LA can feel modern and non-gender conforming as a name choice for boys.
Conclusion
The name LA has a lot going for it – a multicultural background, positive meanings, pop culture cachet, and breezy California cool. For parents seeking a name outside the top 100 classics, LA brings a laidback and artistic energy. It works well solo or as a built-in nickname. LA’s rising popularity and celebrity cachet should continue to propel this simple yet iconic name higher for American girls – and maybe even a few boys too.
