Declining since 2008, #3,903 for girls today.
Popularity of Kamara since 1965
Babies named Kamara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 25 |
| 1970s | 149 |
| 1980s | 168 |
| 1990s | 268 |
| 2000s | 597 |
| 2010s | 546 |
| 2020s | 313 |
Meaning & origin
Kamara is a rare and melodic name with African and Arabic roots, first recorded in the United States in 1965. While never common, its use has fluctuated over the decades. It reached its peak rank of 3903rd in 2009, the year it was most popular, before entering a period of decline. By 2025, its popularity had fallen since 2008, placing it among the more unusual choices. The name Kamara has not historically been concentrated in any single U.S. state, giving it a broad but scattered appeal. Its rarity and multicultural resonance make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with global connections.
Kamara is a name with multiple possible origins. It is a common surname among the Mande peoples of West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, where it means 'teacher' or 'one who teaches'. Alternatively, it may derive from the Arabic word 'qamar' (moon), appearing as a feminine name in some contexts. In the United States, it has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the surname or as a variant of the more common Kamaria.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kam, Kami, Mara
Sibling names for Kamara
Names that share Kamara's style, for a brother or sister.
