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Cara Girl

Popularity: #772 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKAR-uh / /ˈkɛərə/

Irish; Latin

Meaning

Irish: 'friend'; Latin: 'beloved'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cara has its roots in the Latin word "cara," which translates to "dear" or "beloved." This Latin term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ker-, meaning "to love" or "to care for." The name entered the English language through the influence of Latin during the Roman occupation of Britain and later through the Renaissance, when classical texts were rediscovered and Latin became a prominent scholarly language. As a result, Cara has been adopted in various forms across different cultures, often retaining its affectionate connotation.

Historically, the name Cara has been associated with several notable figures and cultural references. In the early Christian tradition, the name was sometimes linked to saints and martyrs, although specific historical records are sparse. The name appears in various forms in literature and art throughout the centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal. For instance, it has been used in poetry and prose to evoke themes of love and tenderness, resonating with the original Latin meaning. The name also appears in various translations of religious texts, contributing to its presence in Christian communities.

Culturally, Cara has been embraced in different regions, often symbolizing affection and warmth. In Irish, Cara means "friend," which further emphasizes the name's associations with love and companionship. This dual significance in both Latin and Irish contexts has helped the name maintain its relevance across cultures. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Carrie" have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability and continued resonance in various linguistic traditions. Overall, Cara embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, reflecting themes of love and friendship throughout its history.

Trend Summary

The name Cara has seen moderate popularity in the United States, particularly in the late 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Kara
  • Kaira

International Variants

  • Kara (English); Chiara (Italian); Cara (Spanish)

Famous people named Cara

Cara Delevingne is a model and actress best known for Paper Towns, Suicide Squad, and Carnival Row.

Cara Buono is an actress best known for Stranger Things, The Sopranos, and Let Me In.

Cara Mia Way is a singer and songwriter best known for her work in the music industry.

Fictional characters named Cara

Cara is a fictional character from the book series The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. She is a Confessor with the ability to compel others to tell the truth and is a key ally to the protagonist, Richard Cypher.

Cara Dune is a fictional character from the TV series The Mandalorian. She is a former Shock Trooper who becomes a fierce ally to the titular character, Din Djarin.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cara was first seen in the United States in 1882. Cara has ranked as high as #352 nationally, which occurred in 1985, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Cara has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cara (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 20
17%
NY 13
11%
TX 11
9%
PA 10
8%
OH 9
7%
MA 9
7%
FL 8
7%
GA 7
6%
NJ 7
6%
IL 6
5%
NC 6
5%
CO 5
4%
NV 5
4%
CT 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18825
18836
18848
188512
18866
188710
18889
18897
18907
189111
18927
18948
189512
18968
189711
189816
189911
190017
19017
190211
19039
190411
19057
190611
190716
190812
190912
191019
191112
191216
191321
191419
191530
191627
191723
191833
191919
192018
192121
192234
192333
192430
192527
192643
192725
192820
192930
193028
193115
193228
193322
193437
193527
193639
193745
193838
193926
194036
194144
194248
194354
194441
194546
194647
194753
194851
194972
195070
195184
195287
1953101
1954124
1955154
1956172
1957165
1958134
1959200
1960234
1961340
1962448
1963682
1964663
1965987
1966677
1967604
1968508
1969636
1970716
1971755
1972722
1973847
19741,074
19751,192
19761,103
19771,411
19781,346
19791,247
19801,276
19811,261
19821,328
19831,394
19841,440
19851,465
19861,338
19871,232
19881,268
19891,275
19901,212
19911,259
19921,125
19931,105
19941,026
1995900
1996862
1997819
1998807
1999728
2000732
2001604
2002584
2003568
2004570
2005522
2006531
2007579
2008681
2009663
2010460
2011473
2012404
2013451
2014421
2015389
2016352
2017318
2018310
2019252
2020288
2021248
2022208
2023182
2024178