Find out how popular the first name Lera has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lera by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lera is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lera.

The history of the first name Lera

The name Lera has its origins in the Russian language and culture, with roots dating back to the early medieval period. It is a diminutive form of the Slavic name Valeriya, which itself is derived from the Latin word "valere," meaning "to be strong" or "to be well."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lera can be found in the chronicles of the Kievan Rus', a medieval East Slavic state that existed from the 9th to the 13th century. During this time, the name was primarily associated with members of the nobility and aristocracy, reflecting its connotations of strength and vitality.

Throughout the centuries, the name Lera has been borne by several notable figures in Russian history and culture. One such individual was Lera Auerbach, a Russian-American composer and pianist born in 1973. Her works have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles around the world, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

In the realm of literature, Lera Karaulova (1853-1928) was a Russian writer and educator who made significant contributions to children's literature and education reform. Her works aimed to promote moral and ethical values while also fostering a love for reading among young audiences.

Another notable bearer of the name was Lera Novikova (1904-1986), a Soviet actress and film director who played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of Soviet cinema. Her performances in films such as "Bed and Sofa" (1927) and "The Youth of Maxim" (1935) are considered classics of the era.

The name Lera also found its way into the annals of Russian military history through the figure of Lera Manakova (1919-1943). A member of the Soviet partisan movement during World War II, Manakova fought bravely against the Nazi occupation forces and was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for her valor and sacrifices.

In the realm of sports, Lera Grinchenko (born 1983) is a Ukrainian professional tennis player who has achieved notable success on the WTA Tour. Her achievements include reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2008 and representing Ukraine in multiple Olympic Games.

While the name Lera has its roots in the Slavic world, it has since gained popularity in various other cultures and languages, with variations and adaptations appearing in different parts of the world. However, its origins and historical significance remain firmly rooted in the rich tapestry of Russian culture and heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lera was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lera, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!