This pancocojams post provides some examples of distinctive African American female names that begin with "La".
By "distinctive names", i mean first names that aren't usually given to African Americans or any other people in the United States.
For the purpose of this post, I've listed all of the female names for African Americans that begin with "La" in the books or online sources that are given in this post whether I consider those names to be distinctive or not.
Some names that are given in the lists that are included in this post may be much less distinctive now (in 2023 when this 2017 post is being updated), meaning they are names that African Americans-if not other populations in the United States-are familiar with even if they may not be commonly given to African American females (if not to other females in this country)..Other names on these lists are still seldom given to African American girls.
I choose to use the word "distinctive" rather than "different". The word "unique" may also be used as an adjective for many of these names.
The content of this post is presented for onomastics and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
This pancocojams post was originally published in 2017.
Here's the link to that post:
.http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/10/some-distinctive-african-american.html
I re-read that post on October 2, 2023 after reading about California Governor Newson appointing Laphonza Butler to the United States Senate to complete the term of Senator Dianne Feinstein who just died. I wanted to check to see if the name "Laphonza" or a similarly spelled name was listed in that post. It was not.
While I was there, I decided to update that post. I made some content changes, including adding more names from online sources .I also decided to delete some parts of that post, including that post's introduction that went on at length about what I meant by "distinctive names" and why African Americans and other people in the United States choose to give their babies distinctive names. I then decided to republish this post so that people in 2023 can more easily find it.
The content of that updated 2017 post is the same as this post (as of Oct.2, 2023, except for this editorial note. However, that 2017 post also includes comments that I've not added to this post. Those comments include an information about an article that suggests that African Americans' preference for names beginning with "La" and "De" has been influenced by Louisiana's French Creoles.
-snip-
This post serves as a companion to this pancocojams post about examples of distinctive African American males names that begin with "La":
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/10/some-distinctive-african-american-male.html
(I haven't updated that 2017 post yet, but will probably do so. I'll then re-publish it and replace that old link with a new one.
****
LISTS OF DISTINCTIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN GIVEN FEMALE NAMES THAT BEGIN WITH "LA"
Pancocojams Editor:
Except for this first quoted source, these lists are given in no particular order. These lists are numbered for referencing purposes only.
My notes about these sources and/or about specific names within the quoted lists are given in italics. All other content in this post is quoted from those sources. except for my notes that are given after the word "snip",
It's important to emphasize that these "distinctive African American female names" can also be given to females of other races or ethnicities with "ethnicity" in the United States referring to Latinos (Latinas)/Hispanics. Latinos (Latinas)/Hispanics can be of any race.
Some of these names are found in more than one of these lists.
EXCERPT #1 -selected examples
from Proud Heritage: 11,001 Names For Your African-American Baby, Elza Dinwiddie-Boyd, editor (Avon Books, 1994)
This book uses the research of African American sociologist Newport Niles Puckett as her primary source and adds other sources including names of notable African Americans in history, names of some people attending historically Black colleges and universities, names of people in African American print media etc
page 310
La - Puckett documents an early preference for the La phoneme in these names: La Blanche, La Dora, La Eunice, La Fay, La Jeune, La Perle, La Rossie, La Rue Forrest, La Tausca, La Vada, La Verne, La Zora.
Laetitia - A spelling variation of Letitia (see below) found among free black names**, 1800-64
Lahalia -This rhythmical use of La was noted in 1877-1937
page 311
Laney -This unusual given name is found among free black women during the 19th century
Lanieash- Lanieash Lloyd is a West Indian American who lives in Queens, N. Y.
Latia - Latia Curry of New York's Peter Stuyvesant High School is a track and field champion
Latiffah - An African American spelling variation of the Arabic Latifah, which connotes gentle kindness. Rap artist Queen Latifah has given this name new currency.
La Toya - Perhaps the controversial La Toya Jackson of th famed Jackson family can be credited with the proliferation of this name. The Diary of LaToya Hunter: My First Year in Junior High bu LaToya Hunter won this 12-year old a review in the pages of the New York Times.
Latrice*** - Latrice George was a 2003 recipient of a Project Excellence scholarship. Founded by Carl T. Rowan, the fund, during its sixth annual dinner honoring academic excellence, awarded 80 gifted black Washington, D. C. area high school seniors scholarships totaling $1.3 million.
From the chapter "African Names For Girls" [These are all of the "La" names on this list.]
****
page 398
Laini - Swahili: Sweet and gentle, soft, Laini "Muki" Brown is an aspiring record company executive.
Lama - Arabic: Darkness of lips
Lamis - Arabic; softness to the touch
Lateefah - Arabic: pleasant, gentle woman.
Lateefah - Arabic: Gentle, kind. Queen Latifah is a not always gentle rap artist.
Layla - Swahili: She was born at night.
The chapter "Newly Created Names For Girls" (pages 431-435) of this book lists more than 400 names that begin with the letters "la". Here are 25 names from that list which aren't found on the other lists that are given below are
Lachante
La Chelle
Lachelle
Lacheryl
Ladawn
La Kenya
La Kita
Lakita
La Quan
Laquana
LaRae
Lakresa
La Shanda
La Shante
La Sheena
La' Shona
Latrina
Latavis
Latarsha
Latricia
Lasheba
Lashelle
Lashirelle
Lastarr
Lawanza
-snip-
*Click https://mississippiencyclopedia.org/entries/niles-newbell-puckett/ for information about the African American sociologist Newport Niles Puckett
**In the context of this list, "free black names" means names given to or selected Black Americans who weren't enslaved
*** a variant form of the female name "Latrice":
From http://rupaulsdragrace.wikia.com/wiki/Latrice_Royale
Latrice Royale is the stage name of drag performer Timothy Wilcots, best known for competing in the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, and RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race.....
Date of Birth: February 12, 1972"
-snip-
Also, click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RuPaul%27s_Drag_Race for information about and dates for this television series.
****Regarding the Arabic female names given in that list, the only Arabic female names beginning with "La" that I've come across (either directly or indirectly) are the names "Latifah" (also with variant spellings) and the name "Layla" (with variant spellings, particularly "Laila"). Both of these Arabic female names, but particularly "Layla" are quite frequently given to African American girls, regardless of their parents' religion.
****
EXCERPT #2 selected examples from Behind The Name: Names Letter L (female names)
https://www.behindthename.com/names/letter/l
LADONNA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name DONNA.
LAETITIA f Late Roman, French
Original form of LETITIA, as well as the French form.
LAKEISHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KEISHA.*
LAKESHIA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KESHIA.
LAKISHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KISHA.
LAILA (1) f Arabic, English
Variant of LAYLA.
LASHAWN f & m African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name SHAWN.
LASHAY m African American (Rare)
Combination of the popular name prefix La and SHAY (1).
LASHONDA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name SHONDA.
LATANYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TANYA.
LATASHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TASHA.
LATEEFAH f Arabic
Variant transcription of LATIFA.
LATIFA f Arabic
Feminine form of LATIF.
LATIFAH f Arabic
Feminine form of LATIF.
LATISHA f African American
Variant of LETITIA.
LATONYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TONYA.
LATOYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TOYA.
LAVONE f English (Rare)
Variant of LAVONNE.
LAVONNE f English
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name YVONNE.
LAWANDA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name WANDA.
LAYLA f Arabic, English
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-real-sources-of-female-name-keisha.html The REAL Sources Of The Female Name "Keisha"
This is the first name of the African American woman (full name Laphonza Butler). who the Governor of California just appointed to finish the term of the United States Senator Dianne Feinstein who recently died. That Senate term ends after the general election in California on December 2024.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/newsom-dianne-feinstein-replacement-laphonza-butler_n_65171514e4b
I've never come across the name "Laphonza" before. I searched online, but didn't find anyone with that name besides Laphonza Butler.
I wonder if this name is a variant form of the male name Alphonso. That name used to be relatively common when I was growing up in the 1950s, but it is much less common now.
****
If you know any additional names that begin with the letter La names of African American females, please share them in the comment section of this post. Thanks!
Also, which "distinctive" African American females names (in this list or otherwise) do you think are actually commonly given to African American girls at birth?
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
While I was there, I decided to update that post. I made some content changes, including adding more names from online sources .I also decided to delete some parts of that post, including that post's introduction that went on at length about what I meant by "distinctive names" and why African Americans and other people in the United States choose to give their babies distinctive names. I then decided to republish this post so that people in 2023 can more easily find it.
The content of that updated 2017 post is the same as this post (as of Oct.2, 2023, except for this editorial note. However, that 2017 post also includes comments that I've not added to this post. Those comments include an information about an article that suggests that African Americans' preference for names beginning with "La" and "De" has been influenced by Louisiana's French Creoles.
-snip-
This post serves as a companion to this pancocojams post about examples of distinctive African American males names that begin with "La":
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/10/some-distinctive-african-american-male.html
(I haven't updated that 2017 post yet, but will probably do so. I'll then re-publish it and replace that old link with a new one.
****
LISTS OF DISTINCTIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN GIVEN FEMALE NAMES THAT BEGIN WITH "LA"
Pancocojams Editor:
Except for this first quoted source, these lists are given in no particular order. These lists are numbered for referencing purposes only.
My notes about these sources and/or about specific names within the quoted lists are given in italics. All other content in this post is quoted from those sources. except for my notes that are given after the word "snip",
It's important to emphasize that these "distinctive African American female names" can also be given to females of other races or ethnicities with "ethnicity" in the United States referring to Latinos (Latinas)/Hispanics. Latinos (Latinas)/Hispanics can be of any race.
Some of these names are found in more than one of these lists.
EXCERPT #1 -selected examples
from Proud Heritage: 11,001 Names For Your African-American Baby, Elza Dinwiddie-Boyd, editor (Avon Books, 1994)
This book uses the research of African American sociologist Newport Niles Puckett as her primary source and adds other sources including names of notable African Americans in history, names of some people attending historically Black colleges and universities, names of people in African American print media etc
page 310
La - Puckett documents an early preference for the La phoneme in these names: La Blanche, La Dora, La Eunice, La Fay, La Jeune, La Perle, La Rossie, La Rue Forrest, La Tausca, La Vada, La Verne, La Zora.
Laetitia - A spelling variation of Letitia (see below) found among free black names**, 1800-64
Lahalia -This rhythmical use of La was noted in 1877-1937
page 311
Laney -This unusual given name is found among free black women during the 19th century
Lanieash- Lanieash Lloyd is a West Indian American who lives in Queens, N. Y.
Latia - Latia Curry of New York's Peter Stuyvesant High School is a track and field champion
Latiffah - An African American spelling variation of the Arabic Latifah, which connotes gentle kindness. Rap artist Queen Latifah has given this name new currency.
La Toya - Perhaps the controversial La Toya Jackson of th famed Jackson family can be credited with the proliferation of this name. The Diary of LaToya Hunter: My First Year in Junior High bu LaToya Hunter won this 12-year old a review in the pages of the New York Times.
Latrice*** - Latrice George was a 2003 recipient of a Project Excellence scholarship. Founded by Carl T. Rowan, the fund, during its sixth annual dinner honoring academic excellence, awarded 80 gifted black Washington, D. C. area high school seniors scholarships totaling $1.3 million.
From the chapter "African Names For Girls" [These are all of the "La" names on this list.]
****
page 398
Laini - Swahili: Sweet and gentle, soft, Laini "Muki" Brown is an aspiring record company executive.
Lama - Arabic: Darkness of lips
Lamis - Arabic; softness to the touch
Lateefah - Arabic: pleasant, gentle woman.
Lateefah - Arabic: Gentle, kind. Queen Latifah is a not always gentle rap artist.
Layla - Swahili: She was born at night.
The chapter "Newly Created Names For Girls" (pages 431-435) of this book lists more than 400 names that begin with the letters "la". Here are 25 names from that list which aren't found on the other lists that are given below are
Lachante
La Chelle
Lachelle
Lacheryl
Ladawn
La Kenya
La Kita
Lakita
La Quan
Laquana
LaRae
Lakresa
La Shanda
La Shante
La Sheena
La' Shona
Latrina
Latavis
Latarsha
Latricia
Lasheba
Lashelle
Lashirelle
Lastarr
Lawanza
-snip-
*Click https://mississippiencyclopedia.org/entries/niles-newbell-puckett/ for information about the African American sociologist Newport Niles Puckett
**In the context of this list, "free black names" means names given to or selected Black Americans who weren't enslaved
*** a variant form of the female name "Latrice":
From http://rupaulsdragrace.wikia.com/wiki/Latrice_Royale
Latrice Royale is the stage name of drag performer Timothy Wilcots, best known for competing in the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, and RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race.....
Date of Birth: February 12, 1972"
-snip-
Also, click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RuPaul%27s_Drag_Race for information about and dates for this television series.
****Regarding the Arabic female names given in that list, the only Arabic female names beginning with "La" that I've come across (either directly or indirectly) are the names "Latifah" (also with variant spellings) and the name "Layla" (with variant spellings, particularly "Laila"). Both of these Arabic female names, but particularly "Layla" are quite frequently given to African American girls, regardless of their parents' religion.
****
EXCERPT #2 selected examples from Behind The Name: Names Letter L (female names)
https://www.behindthename.com/names/letter/l
LADONNA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name DONNA.
LAETITIA f Late Roman, French
Original form of LETITIA, as well as the French form.
LAKEISHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KEISHA.*
LAKESHIA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KESHIA.
LAKISHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name KISHA.
LAILA (1) f Arabic, English
Variant of LAYLA.
LASHAWN f & m African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name SHAWN.
LASHAY m African American (Rare)
Combination of the popular name prefix La and SHAY (1).
LASHONDA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name SHONDA.
LATANYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TANYA.
LATASHA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TASHA.
LATEEFAH f Arabic
Variant transcription of LATIFA.
LATIFA f Arabic
Feminine form of LATIF.
LATIFAH f Arabic
Feminine form of LATIF.
LATISHA f African American
Variant of LETITIA.
LATONYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TONYA.
LATOYA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name TOYA.
LAVONE f English (Rare)
Variant of LAVONNE.
LAVONNE f English
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name YVONNE.
LAWANDA f African American
Combination of the popular prefix La with the name WANDA.
LAYLA f Arabic, English
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-real-sources-of-female-name-keisha.html The REAL Sources Of The Female Name "Keisha"
and
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-racialization-of-female-name-keisha.html The Racialization Of The Female Name "Keisha" & Its Variants for two pancocojams posts about the female name "Kiesha".
****
EXCERPT #3 [complete listing of "la" names for African American females from that site]
From http://www.babynames.org.uk/african-american-names-list-l.htm Baby Names: UK/African American names [female[
Lacrasha; La-Shonna
****
EXCERPT #3 [complete listing of "la" names for African American females from that site]
From http://www.babynames.org.uk/african-american-names-list-l.htm Baby Names: UK/African American names [female[
Lacrasha; La-Shonna
Lacrecia; La-sondra
Lacresia; Lataesha
Lacricia; Latanna
Lacrishia; Latasia
Ladaishia; Lataya
La-Dale; Lateasia
Ladawn; La-Teesha
Ladawnah; Lateia
Ladona; Lateica
Ladonne; Laticia
La-fara; La-Ticia
LaJonel; Latitia
La-juana; Latoiya
Lajuanna; Latona
Lakasha; Latondra
Lakeitha; Latonia
LaKendria; Latonna
Laketta; Latonya
La-Keysha; Latore
Lakitia; Latoria
Lakresha; Latorray
Lakyta; Latoya
Lamesha; Latreece
Lameshia; Latreese
Lanecia ; La-trice
La-Neesa; Latrina
La-Neisha; Latrisha
La-Neishah; Lavern
Laqueinta; Laverne
Laquenetta; La-Verne
Laquetta; La-Von
Laquinda; Lavonn
Laquitta; LaVonne
La'Rae; La'Wanda
Larah ; La-wanda
Larhonda; La-rhonda
Lashane; Lashanna
Lashaune; Lashaunta
La'Shawn; Lashawna
Lashona;
-snip-
Notice that some of these female names that are variants of the name "Sean" ("Shawn", "Shon", "Shaun") that don't end in "a" are actually unisex names since they are also used as male names. Also, names that end in the suffix "von" without an "a" at the end are also unisex names.
The only African American female and male names on that website's page for names beginning with "L" are the names "Lavon" and "Lavonne".
Also, notice that this list of African American names beginning with "La" is an incomplete sample of names beginning with that prefix. I know African American females with other names which aren't on that list, including an African American woman in her 50s or 60s who was given the birth name "Lavonda" and an African American female in her late 60s whose name is "La Rue." I also know an African American female in her late 60s who spells her name "Laquita" and not the similar spellings given above...
****
EXCERPT #4 [complete listing of "la" names for "Black Baby Girl Names" from that site]
From http://www.top-100-baby-names-search.com/black-baby-girl-names.html [These numbers are given on that website] Top Baby Names Search; Black Baby Girl Names
324 Lacara
325 Ladell
326 Lafyette
327 Lakedra
328 Lakesia
329 Lalique
330 Landon
331 Laquita
332 Larieka
333 Larriel
334 Lashaya
335 Latavia
336 Latresia
****
EXCERPT #5 [This is the complete list of the La names that are found on that page. These names are listed without their meanings which are also given on that page.]
https://www.haimom.com/african-american-names/african-american-baby-girl-names-starting-with-l.html hair mom African American baby girl names starting with L [retrieved on 10/2/2023]
Laini
Lama
Lamas
Lamya
Lanelle
Laqueta
Laquinta
Latanya
Lateefa
Latifa
Latisha
Latoya
Laya
****
EXCERPT #6
https://parenting.firstcry.com/baby-names/girl/origin/african-american/starting-with/l/
First cry Baby names girl: African Americans starting with L [This is the complete list of La names that are found on that page without the name meanings that are also given.
These names beginning with "La" aren't given in alphabetical order on that page and are listed here in the order that they are found on that page.].
from the list of "African American Baby Girl Names Starting with L"
Lashona;
-snip-
Notice that some of these female names that are variants of the name "Sean" ("Shawn", "Shon", "Shaun") that don't end in "a" are actually unisex names since they are also used as male names. Also, names that end in the suffix "von" without an "a" at the end are also unisex names.
The only African American female and male names on that website's page for names beginning with "L" are the names "Lavon" and "Lavonne".
Also, notice that this list of African American names beginning with "La" is an incomplete sample of names beginning with that prefix. I know African American females with other names which aren't on that list, including an African American woman in her 50s or 60s who was given the birth name "Lavonda" and an African American female in her late 60s whose name is "La Rue." I also know an African American female in her late 60s who spells her name "Laquita" and not the similar spellings given above...
****
EXCERPT #4 [complete listing of "la" names for "Black Baby Girl Names" from that site]
From http://www.top-100-baby-names-search.com/black-baby-girl-names.html [These numbers are given on that website] Top Baby Names Search; Black Baby Girl Names
324 Lacara
325 Ladell
326 Lafyette
327 Lakedra
328 Lakesia
329 Lalique
330 Landon
331 Laquita
332 Larieka
333 Larriel
334 Lashaya
335 Latavia
336 Latresia
****
EXCERPT #5 [This is the complete list of the La names that are found on that page. These names are listed without their meanings which are also given on that page.]
https://www.haimom.com/african-american-names/african-american-baby-girl-names-starting-with-l.html hair mom African American baby girl names starting with L [retrieved on 10/2/2023]
Laini
Lama
Lamas
Lamya
Lanelle
Laqueta
Laquinta
Latanya
Lateefa
Latifa
Latisha
Latoya
Laya
****
EXCERPT #6
https://parenting.firstcry.com/baby-names/girl/origin/african-american/starting-with/l/
First cry Baby names girl: African Americans starting with L [This is the complete list of La names that are found on that page without the name meanings that are also given.
These names beginning with "La" aren't given in alphabetical order on that page and are listed here in the order that they are found on that page.].
from the list of "African American Baby Girl Names Starting with L"
Lakshita
Lavanya
Laaibah
Lavya
Lakshmi
Lashika
Lakshitha
Laksha
Lala
Lakshana
Laxmi
Layla
Lavika
Laila
Laya
Laasya
Lathika
Latika
Lasya
Lasritha
Laurel
Lara
Lakhi
Lalita
Laasya
Lakshika
Lavik
Lawaiza
Laura
Layina
Labhdi
Lavina
Lani
Lakshmika
Lahari
Laasyavi
Laina
Laiqa
Laiqa
Larissa
Lana
Layana
Lamiah
Lavenia
Lawan
Lan
Latha
Laine
Lamai
Lapis
Lanika
Layan
Layaan
Lavanthika
Labani
Lamya
Laela
Lawana
Lamia
Landry
Lavleen
Lahana
Lata
Lainey
Laticia
Laney
Lakshaki
Larina
Laharika
Laashya
****
Here's a distinctive African American female name that begins with "La" hat isn't on any of these lists that I've quoted in this pancocojams post -Laphonza
This is the first name of the African American woman (full name Laphonza Butler). who the Governor of California just appointed to finish the term of the United States Senator Dianne Feinstein who recently died. That Senate term ends after the general election in California on December 2024.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/newsom-dianne-feinstein-replacement-laphonza-butler_n_65171514e4b
I've never come across the name "Laphonza" before. I searched online, but didn't find anyone with that name besides Laphonza Butler.
I wonder if this name is a variant form of the male name Alphonso. That name used to be relatively common when I was growing up in the 1950s, but it is much less common now.
****
If you know any additional names that begin with the letter La names of African American females, please share them in the comment section of this post. Thanks!
Also, which "distinctive" African American females names (in this list or otherwise) do you think are actually commonly given to African American girls at birth?
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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