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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cara

Cara

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAR-ah /ˈkær.ə/Low

Meaning: Dear, beloved, friendLow

In 30 seconds: Cara means beloved or dear friend in Irish Gaelic and is also an Italian term of endearment meaning beloved. Simple, warm, and universally appealing, it has been used across English-speaking and Romance-language countries for generations.
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Origin LowIrish Gaelic, Latin, Italian
MeaningDear, beloved, friend
U.S. rank (2025)#1326 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births168 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1985
Total births (all-time)≈ 53,303

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198518822025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cara has two clear roots. In Irish Gaelic, cara means friend and has been used as a given name in Ireland and Irish diaspora communities. In Italian it is an adjective meaning dear or beloved, often used as a term of endearment. Both meanings reinforce the name's warm, affectionate quality.

Cara gained wider English-language use during the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States and United Kingdom. It has a timeless simplicity that keeps it fresh across generations.

Did you know? In Irish, the word cara simply means friend, and the famous Irish blessing Mo cara meaning my friend is one of the most used expressions of warmth in Irish culture.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Cara

Variations

KaraCaaraCaroCarra

Nicknames

CarCarrie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Cara Delevingne (1992–present)
    British model and actress

If you like Cara…

Kara— Alternate spelling of same name
Clara— Same -ara ending, classic feel
Sarah— Two-syllable classic feminine name with warm meaning
Lara— Similar sound and European charm

Explore names like Cara

By themeclassictwo-syllableirishitalianbelovedfriendship
By meaningLove

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Cara mean?

Cara means friend in Irish Gaelic and dear or beloved in Italian, making it a name that expresses warmth and affection.

How do you pronounce Cara?

Cara is pronounced KAR-ah, with two syllables.

Is Cara an Irish name?

Yes, Cara is used in Ireland where the Gaelic word cara means friend. It is also an Italian term of endearment.

What names are similar to Cara?

Names similar to Cara include Kara, Clara, Lara, and Sarah.

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