Elara

What does Elara mean?

Elara carries a quietly celestial character rooted in Greek myth. In its original stories Elara was a figure associated with the gods, and the name has come to feel gently mythological and otherworldly rather than heavily antique.

The tone of Elara is elegant and luminous. It suggests night sky imagery and a soft, modern grace. Elara feels less formal than some classical names yet more distinctive than many popular choices, striking a balance between familiar sounds and uncommon usage. If you like names such as Lara or Cora, Elara offers a slightly more lyrical, star-lit alternative.

Historical Context

Elara originates in Greek myth where she appears as a mortal woman linked to the gods. Her story is not one of the major myths yet it left a cultural trace. The name resurfaced in modern times partly through astronomy. A moon of Jupiter was named Elara in the late 19th century, which reinforced the name's celestial associations.

Over time Elara has evolved from a scarcely used classical name into a contemporary given name that appeals to parents seeking something lyrical and slightly uncommon. Its sound aligns with recent naming trends favouring names that end in -a and have soft vowel patterns, while its mythological and astronomical links give it depth without feeling heavy or overly traditional.

Popularity of Elara over time

In 2025, Elara was given to 127 girls in the UK and 275 girls in the US. Elara has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon girls' name in both the UK and the US.

What do parents think of Elara?