Kara

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAIR-uh /ˈkɛər.ə/High

Meaning: Dear, beloved; from Italian cara (dear, beloved)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name with two distinct possible origins: Italian cara ('dear, beloved') and Irish Ciara/Cara ('dark'). Popularized in the 1970s–1980s, it has the clean, bright sound of mid-century feminine names.

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Origin MediumItalian, Irish

MeaningDear, beloved; from Italian cara (dear, beloved)

U.S. rank (2025)#1075 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births226 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1991

Total births (all-time)≈ 101,740

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

Kara is a variant spelling of Cara, which can derive from Italian/Latin cara (dear, beloved) or from Irish cara (friend) or ciar (dark, black). The Italian meaning is primary in most naming references. The K spelling is a particularly American variant.

Kara and Cara both appeared in the U.S. top 100 in the 1970s–1980s. They have declined since their peak but remain familiar. Kara ranked #988 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Cara is also the Irish word for 'friend' — making it a name that manages to mean friend, dear, and dark simultaneously depending on which Celtic or Romance tradition you draw from.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Kara — dual etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CaraKarahKarra

Nicknames

Kay

Famous Bearers

★Kara Walker (1969-)
American contemporary artist known for silhouette works
★Kara DioGuardi (1970-)
American singer-songwriter and former American Idol judge
★Kara Tointon (1983-)
English actress and television presenter
★Kara Goucher (1978-)
American long-distance runner and Olympian

If you like Kara…

Cara— the standard spelling of the same name

Zara— two-syllable name ending in -uh with the same crisp international feel

Mara— two-syllable -ara name meaning bitter or strength

Lara— two-syllable -ara name with a similar short, bright quality

Tara— Irish place-name ending in -ara with the same simple directness

Explore names like Kara

By themeshort classic irish italian mid-century

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kara mean?

Kara has two possible origins: Italian cara meaning 'dear, beloved,' and Irish cara/ciar meaning 'friend' or 'dark.' The Italian meaning is most commonly cited.

How do you pronounce Kara?

It's said KAIR-uh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kara a boy or girl name?

Kara is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Kara?

Kara ranked #988 for U.S. girls in 2024.