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Kara Girl

Popularity: #690 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKAR-uh / /ˈkɛərə/

Irish; Hebrew

Meaning

Irish: 'friend'; Hebrew: 'pure'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kara has roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Italian word "cara," which means "beloved" or "dear." This Italian term itself can be traced back to the Latin "carus," carrying the same meaning. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Italian culture and language, particularly during the Renaissance, when Italian art and literature significantly impacted English society. Additionally, Kara is sometimes associated with the Gaelic name "Cara," which means "friend," further enriching its etymological background.

Historically, the name Kara has been borne by various notable figures and has appeared in literature and art throughout the centuries. In the 19th century, the name gained some recognition in English-speaking countries, partly due to its melodic sound and positive connotations. While there are no specific biblical or royal figures associated with the name, its variants and related forms have appeared in various cultural contexts, contributing to its enduring appeal. The name has also been featured in various literary works, enhancing its visibility and resonance in different eras.

Culturally, the name Kara embodies themes of affection and friendship, which have contributed to its lasting significance. Its associations with love and companionship have made it a favored choice in various cultures. The name's simplicity and elegance have allowed it to transcend linguistic barriers, making it adaptable in different languages and cultures. The diminutive form "Kiki" has also been used in some contexts, although it is less common. Overall, Kara's etymological roots and historical significance reflect a rich tapestry of meanings that resonate across different cultures and time periods.

Trend Summary

Kara has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Cara
  • Kaira

International Variants

  • Kara (Italian)
  • Kaira (Japanese)

Famous people named Kara

Kara Walker is an artist best known for her silhouette installations and the work 'A Subtlety.'.

Kara DioGuardi is a songwriter and music producer best known for her work with American Idol and songs like 'Sober' and 'The Time of My Life.'.

Kara Lindsay is an actress best known for her role in the Broadway musical Newsies.

Kara Tointon is an actress best known for her roles in EastEnders and The Office (UK).

Kara Zor-El is a fictional superheroine best known as Supergirl in DC Comics.

Fictional characters named Kara

Kara Zor-El is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe. She is Superman's cousin and possesses similar superpowers, often taking on the superhero identity of Supergirl.

Kara Thrace is a fictional character from the TV series Battlestar Galactica. She is a skilled pilot and a key figure in the fight against the Cylons, known for her rebellious spirit.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kara was first seen in the United States in 1896. Kara has ranked as high as #210 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Kara has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kara (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 33
17%
TX 33
17%
OH 17
9%
NY 12
6%
FL 11
6%
IL 11
6%
MD 10
5%
IN 9
5%
NC 8
4%
TN 8
4%
CO 7
4%
PA 7
4%
KY 6
3%
AZ 5
3%
MN 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18965
19197
19315
19326
19338
19346
19358
19367
193715
193813
193913
194012
194117
194224
194317
194420
194519
194625
194739
194826
194922
195032
195140
195240
195354
195453
195583
1956116
195792
1958122
1959111
1960135
1961319
1962516
1963818
1964663
1965798
1966580
1967949
1968908
19691,354
19701,503
19711,469
19721,454
19731,630
19742,304
19752,358
19762,037
19772,415
19782,290
19792,300
19802,445
19812,439
19822,661
19832,714
19842,855
19852,811
19862,722
19872,699
19883,039
19893,122
19903,036
19913,280
19922,931
19932,527
19942,376
19952,148
19961,909
19971,907
19981,711
19991,688
20001,649
20011,476
20021,403
20031,356
20041,284
20051,230
20061,192
20071,171
20081,338
20091,391
20101,113
2011938
2012860
2013834
2014730
2015624
2016626
2017609
2018621
2019530
2020426
2021373
2022319
2023283
2024261