Chara

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAH-rah /ˈkɑː.rə/Medium

Meaning: From the Greek chara, 'joy; gladness; delight.' Also the name of a star in the constellation Canes Venatici. A bright, uplifting name.Low

In 30 seconds: A joyful Greek name: Chara means 'joy; gladness' (said 'KAH-rah'). Bright and warm.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom the Greek chara, 'joy; gladness; delight.' Also the name of a star in the constellation Canes Venatici. A bright, uplifting name.

U.S. rank (2023)#13779 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1982

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,005

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Chara comes from the Greek for 'joy; gladness.' It reads bright and warm, familiar in Greek - rare in the U.S. (said 'KAH-rah').

It is extremely rare in the U.S.

Did you know? Chara is Greek for 'joy; gladness' - and the name of a star in Canes Venatici - a bright, uplifting name (said 'KAH-rah').

Overall data confidence 46%

References - Chara — Greek chara 'joy; gladness'

Variations

CharahKaraCharla

Nicknames

CharRara

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chara…

Kara— a like sound-cousin

Charis— a like Greek 'grace/joy' name

Joy— the meaning it carries

Carys— a like 'love/joy' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Chara mean?

Chara is Greek for 'joy; gladness; delight.'

How do you pronounce Chara?

It's said KAH-rah /ˈkɑː.rə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Chara a boy or girl name?

Chara is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Chara?

Chara is extremely rare in the U.S.