Declining since 1985, #1,326 for girls today.
Popularity of Cara since 1882
Babies named Cara per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1985, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cara's real moment was 1977.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 63 |
| 1890s | 91 |
| 1900s | 113 |
| 1910s | 219 |
| 1920s | 281 |
| 1930s | 305 |
| 1940s | 492 |
| 1950s | 1,291 |
| 1960s | 5,779 |
| 1970s | 10,413 |
| 1980s | 13,277 |
| 1990s | 9,844 |
| 2000s | 6,034 |
| 2010s | 3,830 |
| 2020s | 1,273 |
Meaning & origin
Cara enjoys a steady, albeit modest, presence in American naming. First recorded in U.S. data in 1882, it saw its highest usage in 1977, ranking 1,326th in 2025 with 1 in 9,567 female births. The name has been on a gradual decline since 1985. Its enduring appeal likely stems from its simple, two-syllable sound and positive meaning in multiple cultures. Top states for Cara include New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, suggesting a Northeastern concentration.
Cara is the feminine form of the Italian adjective 'caro' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved', used as a term of endearment. It also arose as an anglicization of the Irish name 'Cara', derived from 'cara' meaning 'friend'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, peaking in the United States during the 1970s.
Where Cara is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cara” around the world
Where Cara lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
#52
in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Cara
Names that share Cara's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mia, Nora, Lena, Thea, Stella, Ciara, Cori, Niki, Shea, Barrie, Catina, Catlin, Corrin, Delany, Keena, Mikki, Ricci, Seana, Shela, Ailen, Barri, Camya, Chera, Coree, Corri, Dalana, Keary, Korrie, Lysa, Neala, Niva, Serra, Sherra, Terrah, Tyna, Beretta, Chelle, Darah, Gara, Kearney, Kimra, Larra, Shanah, Sharra, Tarra, Camy, Branna, Briena, Caree, Deara
Brothers: Liam, Owen, Ethan, Jack, Lucas, Brennan, Coby, Egan, Keegan, Kerry, Calin, Devlin, Evin, Hogan, Keane, Ryne, Teague, Arick, Brenan, Cullin, Curran, Damin, Eagan, Keron, Broderic, Colan, Conlin, Dolan, Finan, Kerron, Keynan, Oniel, Quinlin, Donevan, Brannen, Calahan, Collan, Cono, Daric, Datron, Greco, Keland, Kiven, Mccabe
Names like Cara
Names whose popularity has moved with Cara's over the last 50 years.
