Lafayette is L. Ron Hubbard's first name. Which means there is reason for it to be prolific in sci-fi and other main stream media.

In the anime "Baccano!", the family name is spelled "Laforet". Have you watched that series?

Random thoughts are not too uncommon. Nor are associates to places and experiences. When I think of something my ex-fiancée said to me, I often visualize the back yard of my childhood home. She had never visited the place, nor knows of it's existence. It's just how memories work. Through association.