Lara 2 is a feminine given name of Roman origin, primarily considered a variant of Larunda.In Roman mythology, Larunda (also known as Lara) was a water nymph known for her loquacity. According to Ovid's Fasti, she revealed to Juno that her husband Jupiter was having an affair with Juturna. In punishment, Jupiter cut out her tongue and ordered Mercury to escort her to the Underworld. On the way, Mercury fathered two children with her, who became the Lares, protective household gods. The name Larunda is possibly connected to the Greek λαλέω (laleo), meaning "to talk, to chatter," or to the Latin term Lares, referring to these guardian gods.As a modern name, Lara has variants derived from this mythological figure as well as from other origins (e.g., Russian short form of Larisa), but Lara 2 specifically refers to the Roman mythological connection.Notable bearersWhile no specific notable bearers of this exact name are recorded, the mythological Lara contributed to the use of Lara in modern literature and media, such as in the character Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise (though her name's origin is separate).Cultural significanceThe story of Lara illustrates the theme of divine punishment for speaking out of turn, a common motif in Greco-Roman mythology. The name also tied to the cult of the Lares, domestic deities central to Roman family worship.Related formsRelated names include: Laria and Larunda itself. The diminutive or derived name Lara (1) has broader usage beyond Latin origin, but the variant here is specifically the Roman one.Key factsMeaning: Variant of LarundaOrigin: RomanGender: FemaleMythology: Linked to the water nymph punished by Jupiter