Declining since 1990, #1,071 for girls today.
Popularity of Kara since 1896
Babies named Kara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 81 |
| 1940s | 221 |
| 1950s | 743 |
| 1960s | 7,039 |
| 1970s | 19,760 |
| 1980s | 27,506 |
| 1990s | 23,514 |
| 2000s | 13,491 |
| 2010s | 7,487 |
| 2020s | 1,889 |
Meaning & origin
Kara is a name of both Irish and Italian origin, meaning 'beloved' or 'friend'. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1896 but only began to gain traction in the mid-20th century. Its peak popularity came in 1991 when it ranked significantly higher, but since the 1990s, its frequency has steadily declined. In 2025, about 1 in 7,112 girls were named Kara. The name has been most common in states such as Kentucky, Missouri, and Alabama. While still a recognizable choice, Kara follows the broader trend of names that once peaked several decades ago. Its simple, two-syllable sound and cross-cultural appeal keep it in steady, if modest, use.
Kara is a variant of Cara, which has two main origins. As an Irish name, it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'Cara', meaning 'friend' or 'loved one'. As an Italian name, it derives from 'cara', the feminine form of 'caro', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. The name entered English usage in the 20th century and gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
Where Kara 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.
“Kara” around the world
Where Kara lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Karrie, Carrie, Kari
Sibling names for Kara
Names that share Kara's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Leah, Nora, Emma, Ava, Ericka, Jena, Kerri, Rhema, Keren, Sharae, Adrea, Jacara, Kaly, Korri, Kyia, Denica, Jakera, Jarae, Karem, Kevia, Krisa, Megin, Jinna, Kare, Karista, Karne, Shatarra, Zakara
Brothers: Liam, Noah, Ethan, Caleb, Owen, Aric, Kory, Taren, Derrin, Jerek, Khris, Koran, Tyrie, Keil, Jarmon, Jonta, Markale
Names like Kara
Names whose popularity has moved with Kara's over the last 50 years.
