Holding steady.
Popularity of Khara since 1975
Babies named Khara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 231 |
| 1980s | 218 |
| 1990s | 102 |
| 2000s | 61 |
| 2010s | 55 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Khara first appeared in U.S. records in 1975, marking its entry into American naming practices. It saw its peak usage in 1977, though it has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a rare choice. The name has shown stable, low-level usage over the decades without a significant resurgence. Its top used states have fluctuated, but no state recorded notably high numbers. The name's dual Arabic and Sanskrit origins give it multicultural appeal, though it remains uncommon compared to similar names like Kara or Cara. Parents drawn to short, vowel-rich names may find Khara an intriguing option.
Khara has multiple possible origins. In Arabic, it derives from 'khārah' (خارة), meaning 'dear' or 'sweetheart', used as a term of endearment. In Sanskrit, 'khara' (खर) means 'sharp' or 'harsh', appearing in Hindu texts. The name entered English usage in the 1970s, likely through Arabic-speaking communities or as a variant of Cara or Kara.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Kiki, Rara
Sibling names for Khara
Names that share Khara's style, for a brother or sister.
