Cara Girl
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 20 | |
NY | 13 | |
TX | 11 | |
PA | 10 | |
OH | 9 | |
MA | 9 | |
FL | 8 | |
GA | 7 | |
NJ | 7 | |
IL | 6 | |
NC | 6 | |
CO | 5 | |
NV | 5 | |
CT | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1882 | 5 |
1883 | 6 |
1884 | 8 |
1885 | 12 |
1886 | 6 |
1887 | 10 |
1888 | 9 |
1889 | 7 |
1890 | 7 |
1891 | 11 |
1892 | 7 |
1894 | 8 |
1895 | 12 |
1896 | 8 |
1897 | 11 |
1898 | 16 |
1899 | 11 |
1900 | 17 |
1901 | 7 |
1902 | 11 |
1903 | 9 |
1904 | 11 |
1905 | 7 |
1906 | 11 |
1907 | 16 |
1908 | 12 |
1909 | 12 |
1910 | 19 |
1911 | 12 |
1912 | 16 |
1913 | 21 |
1914 | 19 |
1915 | 30 |
1916 | 27 |
1917 | 23 |
1918 | 33 |
1919 | 19 |
1920 | 18 |
1921 | 21 |
1922 | 34 |
1923 | 33 |
1924 | 30 |
1925 | 27 |
1926 | 43 |
1927 | 25 |
1928 | 20 |
1929 | 30 |
1930 | 28 |
1931 | 15 |
1932 | 28 |
1933 | 22 |
1934 | 37 |
1935 | 27 |
1936 | 39 |
1937 | 45 |
1938 | 38 |
1939 | 26 |
1940 | 36 |
1941 | 44 |
1942 | 48 |
1943 | 54 |
1944 | 41 |
1945 | 46 |
1946 | 47 |
1947 | 53 |
1948 | 51 |
1949 | 72 |
1950 | 70 |
1951 | 84 |
1952 | 87 |
1953 | 101 |
1954 | 124 |
1955 | 154 |
1956 | 172 |
1957 | 165 |
1958 | 134 |
1959 | 200 |
1960 | 234 |
1961 | 340 |
1962 | 448 |
1963 | 682 |
1964 | 663 |
1965 | 987 |
1966 | 677 |
1967 | 604 |
1968 | 508 |
1969 | 636 |
1970 | 716 |
1971 | 755 |
1972 | 722 |
1973 | 847 |
1974 | 1,074 |
1975 | 1,192 |
1976 | 1,103 |
1977 | 1,411 |
1978 | 1,346 |
1979 | 1,247 |
1980 | 1,276 |
1981 | 1,261 |
1982 | 1,328 |
1983 | 1,394 |
1984 | 1,440 |
1985 | 1,465 |
1986 | 1,338 |
1987 | 1,232 |
1988 | 1,268 |
1989 | 1,275 |
1990 | 1,212 |
1991 | 1,259 |
1992 | 1,125 |
1993 | 1,105 |
1994 | 1,026 |
1995 | 900 |
1996 | 862 |
1997 | 819 |
1998 | 807 |
1999 | 728 |
2000 | 732 |
2001 | 604 |
2002 | 584 |
2003 | 568 |
2004 | 570 |
2005 | 522 |
2006 | 531 |
2007 | 579 |
2008 | 681 |
2009 | 663 |
2010 | 460 |
2011 | 473 |
2012 | 404 |
2013 | 451 |
2014 | 421 |
2015 | 389 |
2016 | 352 |
2017 | 318 |
2018 | 310 |
2019 | 252 |
2020 | 288 |
2021 | 248 |
2022 | 208 |
2023 | 182 |
2024 | 178 |