Larry

♂ Boy

Pronounced LAIR-ee /ˈlɛər.i/High

Meaning: Laurel; victory; English pet form of Lawrence or Laurence, from Latin Laurentius (from Laurentum, a city of laurel trees)High

In 30 seconds: An English pet form of Lawrence meaning 'laurel' or 'victory,' from the Roman city of Laurentum. A top-10 name in the 1940s–1950s, Larry now carries vintage charm — associated with Larry Bird, Larry David, and the Three Stooges.

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Origin HighLatin, English

MeaningLaurel; victory; English pet form of Lawrence or Laurence, from Latin Laurentius (from Laurentum, a city of laurel trees)

U.S. rank (2025)#1085 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births198 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 807,572

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Larry is an English diminutive of Lawrence (Latin Laurentius: from Laurentum, the laurel city). Saint Lawrence (d. 258 CE) was martyred by being grilled alive — and reportedly said to his torturers 'Turn me over, I'm done on this side,' making him the patron saint of cooks and comedians.

Larry was in the U.S. top 10 from 1942–1957. It ranked #1068 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Larry Bird (born 1956) and Magic Johnson were perhaps the greatest rivalry in NBA history — their 1979 NCAA championship matchup at Indiana State vs. Michigan State is still the most-watched college basketball game ever, and their later Celtics-Lakers battles defined the 1980s NBA.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Larry — Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LawrenceLaurenceLars

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Larry Bird (1956–present)
American basketball player, three-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, three-time MVP, and Hall of Fame inductee.

If you like Larry…

Gary— two-syllable -ary ending name from the same mid-century wave

Barry— two-syllable -ary ending name from the same 1940s–50s generation

Terry— two-syllable -ery ending name from the same mid-century tradition

Harry— two-syllable -arry ending classic with the same era

Jerry— two-syllable -erry ending name from the same mid-century tradition

Explore names like Larry

By themeenglish latin two-syllable diminutive mid-century

By meaningVictory

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Larry mean?

Larry means 'laurel' or 'victory,' an English pet form of Lawrence, from Latin Laurentius (from Laurentum, the city of laurel trees).

How do you pronounce Larry?

It's said LAIR-ee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Larry a boy or girl name?

Larry is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Larry?

Larry ranked #1068 for U.S. boys in 2024.