The name Lavar is believed to have its origins in the ancient Persian language. It is derived from the Old Persian word "lav", which means "to keep" or "to protect". The name likely emerged during the Achaemenid Empire period, which spanned from the 6th to 4th centuries BC.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Lavar can be found in the Avestan texts, which are the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism. The name appears in the Yasna, a collection of hymns and prayers, where it is used as a reference to a divine protector.

In the medieval period, the name Lavar gained popularity among the Persians and was often given to male children as a symbol of strength and guardianship. Some historical records from the 10th century mention a Persian nobleman named Lavar ibn Rustam, who was a prominent military leader during the Samanid Empire.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lavar found its way into European cultures through trade and cultural exchange with the Middle East. One notable figure with this name was Lavar de la Merced, a Spanish explorer who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493.

In the 19th century, the name Lavar was adopted by some families in the United States, particularly those with Persian or Middle Eastern roots. One notable American figure with this name was Lavar Munroe (1803-1865), a Baptist minister and abolitionist who played a significant role in the Underground Railroad.

Another prominent individual named Lavar was Lavar Burton (born 1957), an American actor best known for his role as Kunta Kinte in the television miniseries "Roots" and as the host of the long-running children's educational program "Reading Rainbow".

Other historical figures bearing the name Lavar include Lavar Arrington (born 1978), a former American football linebacker who played for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, and Lavar Ball (born 1967), an American businessman and former professional basketball player who gained notoriety for his outspoken persona and promotion of his sons' basketball careers.