MallowbyNames

Caria

KAR-ee-uh · Of uncertain origin, possibly a feminine form of the ancient Greek region Caria.

Peak popularity
1968
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Caria since 1955

Babies named Caria per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Caria's real moment was 1968.

47111960198020002020Most births 1961Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s32
1960s81
1970s19
1980s33
1990s31
2000s19
2010s0
2020s6

Meaning & origin

Caria is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1955, with a peak of 1968, when it reached its highest frequency, according to Social Security Administration data. Although no specific rank is recorded, it remains outside the top 1000 names. The name's trajectory has been stable but low, and by 2025 no births were reported. Caria is of uncertain origin, possibly a modern innovation or a reference to the historical region in Anatolia. Its lack of well-attested etymology contributes to its enigmatic appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name. Top state data is unavailable, indicating it has never been regionally concentrated.

Caria is likely a modern coinage, perhaps influenced by names like Maria, Daria, or Kari. It may also be a variant of the Greek regional name Caria, derived from the ancient Carian people of Asia Minor. The name saw occasional use in the mid-20th century, with its peak in 1968 according to U.S. Social Security data.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cari, Carrie, Ria

Variants: Carys, Carla

Sibling names for Caria

Names that share Caria's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Caria, our favorite little girl.

C is for Caria…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Caria's letter becomes Caria's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Caria's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Caria mean?
The meaning of Caria is uncertain, but it may be related to the ancient region of Caria in Asia Minor or a modern feminine coinage.
How popular is Caria today?
Caria is very rare today. The most recent data from 2025 shows no recorded births, and its peak was in 1968 when it ranked outside the top thousand.
Is Caria a boy or girl name?
Caria is used almost exclusively for girls, as recorded in U.S. Social Security data.