Declining since 1985, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Chara since 1956
Babies named Chara per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1982, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Chara's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 73 |
| 1970s | 268 |
| 1980s | 275 |
| 1990s | 144 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 96 |
| 2020s | 37 |
Meaning & origin
Chara is a rare modern name that entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1956. It reached its peak rank of 13,208 in 1976, but has since declined, with a trajectory that has been falling since 1985. Despite its scarcity, Chara's simple yet melodic sound gives it a gentle, understated appeal. The name's etymology is ambiguous, likely a modern respelling of Cara or an independent coinage, which adds to its enigmatic quality. As of 2025, only about 1 in 267,878 girls receive the name, making it a distinctive choice without being overly obscure.
Chara first appeared in the U.S. in the 1950s, likely as a respelling of Cara or as a name coined for its pleasing sound. Cara itself derives from the Italian word for 'beloved' or from the Irish/Gaelic word for 'friend'. Chara may also be influenced by the Greek name Chara meaning 'joy', though direct derivation is unclear.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Chara
Names that share Chara's style, for a brother or sister.
