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Home › Baby Names Directory › Lera

Lera

♀ Girl

Pronounced LEH-ruh /ˈlɛr.ə/Medium

Meaning: In Russian, Lera is the everyday short form of Valeriya (Valeria), from Latin valere, 'to be strong, to be in good health'. It is a familiar, affectionate name in Russian-speaking families and is now used on its own.Medium

In 30 seconds: Lera is the Russian short form of Valeria — from a Latin verb meaning 'to be strong and well' (said 'LEH-ruh').
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Origin MediumRussian, Latin
MeaningIn Russian, Lera is the everyday short form of Valeriya (Valeria), from Latin valere, 'to be strong, to be in good health'. It is a familiar, affectionate name in Russian-speaking families and is now used on its own.
U.S. rank (2024)#14454 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,599

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118852024

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

Lera is the Russian pet form of Valeriya, which descends from the Latin valere, 'to be strong, to be in good health' — the same root behind 'valiant' and 'valid'. Widely used as a standalone in Russian-speaking families, it is short, warm and easy to say (said 'LEH-ruh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare here, everyday in Russian-speaking homes.

Did you know? In Russia, a Valeriya is almost always a Lera to her friends — the short form is so natural that it has become a name in its own right (said 'LEH-ruh').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Lera — Russian short form of Valeriya; Latin valere

Variations

ValeriaValeriyaLerra

Nicknames

LerLerochka

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lera…

Valeria— the fuller name behind it
Vera— a like short Russian classic
Mira— a like two-beat Slavic-friendly pick
Nera— a like brief vowel-bright name

Explore names like Lera

By themeheritageshortrussianlatin-rooted

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lera mean?

Lera is the Russian short form of Valeria, from Latin valere, 'to be strong, to be in good health'.

How do you pronounce Lera?

It's said LEH-ruh /ˈlɛr.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lera a boy or girl name?

Lera is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Lera?

Lera is rare in the U.S. but common in Russian-speaking countries.

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