Cara is a name that has been used for centuries and has a rich history behind it. It is a popular name for girls and has different meanings depending on the origin. The name Cara has Greek, Irish, Italian, and Latin roots, each with its own unique meaning.
In Greek, Cara means “sad, melancholy, or disinterested,” while in Irish, it means “friend.” The Latin origin of the name means “darling, beloved, dear, loved one.” The Italian origin of the name means “dear, friend, or face.” Despite the different meanings, the name Cara is universally known for its sweet and simple sound, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a beautiful name for their baby girl.
Understanding the meaning behind a name can be important for parents when choosing a name for their child. The name Cara has a variety of meanings and origins, giving parents many options to choose from. Whether it’s the Greek, Irish, Italian, or Latin origin, the name Cara is a timeless name that has been used for centuries and will continue to be a popular choice for parents looking for a beautiful name for their baby girl.
Origin of Cara
Cara is a name of Italian and Irish origin. The Italian word “cara” means “beloved,” while the Irish Gaelic word “cara” means “friend.” It has been used as a given name since the 19th century, although it did not become popular until the 1950s. Cara is a simple and sweet name that has enjoyed moderate popularity over the years.
The name Cara has some variations in different languages and cultures. In Cornish, the name Kara means “love,” which is likely cognate to the popular Welsh girls’ name Carys. The name is also that of an island in the Inner Hebrides island group, Scotland; Cara Island lying just off the southern tip of the Isle of Gigha. In Scandinavian languages, Cara is a variant of the name Karin, which means “pure” in Greek.
In Norse mythology, Kára is the name of a valkyrie, a female figure who decides who lives and who dies in battle. The name Cara is also used in Vietnam, where it means “song” or “melody.” In Japan, the name Cara means “elegant” or “graceful.”
Cara is a name that is often associated with warmth, kindness, and friendship. It has been used by many parents over the years to express their love and affection for their daughters. Whether you choose to spell it with a “C” or a “K,” Cara is a beautiful name with a rich history and a bright future.
Meaning of Cara
Cara is a name that has various meanings depending on its origin and language. It is a name that is commonly given to baby girls. The name originates from Greek, Irish, English, German, and Italian languages.
In Greek, Cara means “head” or “face”. In Irish, it means “friend” and in English, German, and Italian, it means “dear”, “beloved”, “loved one”, or “endearment”.
Cara is also associated with the qualities of love and friendship. It is a name that is often given to baby girls to signify the love and affection that their parents have for them.
The name Cara can also be associated with the qualities of purity and darkness. In some cultures, Cara is believed to represent purity and light, while in others, it is associated with darkness and emptiness.
In addition, Cara can also be associated with the qualities of a diamond. Just like a diamond, Cara is a name that is unique, special, and rare. It is a name that signifies strength, resilience, and beauty.
Overall, Cara is a beautiful name with many meanings and associations. It is a name that is often given to baby girls to signify love, friendship, and the qualities of purity, darkness, and diamond-like strength.
Popularity of Cara
Cara is a popular name that has been in use for many years. According to Nameberry, Cara is a simple, sweet, Italian endearment that enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. However, the name has been on the decline in recent years.
In 2020, Cara was ranked #908 in the United States, according to Mom.com. It was the 1880th most popular name in the US that year. In Ireland, however, Cara was more popular, ranking at #37 in 2015.
Cara is predominantly a girl’s name, with 99.88% of Caras being girls, and only 0.12% being boys, according to Everything Birthday. In the United States, there have been a total of 62 males named Cara, and 52,540 females given the name.
It is interesting to note that there are several celebrity kids named Cara, including Cara Nicole Gosselin, the daughter of reality TV stars Jon and Kate Gosselin, and Cara Delevingne, the English model/actress who played Enchantress in Suicide Squad. These high-profile individuals may help to increase the popularity of the name in the coming years.
Overall, while Cara may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a well-loved name that is both simple and sweet.
Pronunciation and Alternative Spellings
The name Cara is pronounced as KAHR-ah. It is a feminine name of English, German, Irish, and Italian origin that means “the loved one”. The name evokes feelings of camaraderie and caring.
There are a few alternative spellings for the name Cara, including Kara, Carina, Cari, Carolina, Carola, Oscara, Cherie, Cheryl, Ciara, Katharina, and Katherine. Each of these alternatives has its unique meaning and origin.
The name Kara is a popular alternative spelling of Cara, which comes from the Cornish word “kara,” meaning “love.” Meanwhile, Carina is a Latin name meaning “dear little one,” while Cari is a Welsh name meaning “beloved.” Carolina is a feminine form of Carolus, which is a Latin name meaning “free man.” Carola is a German name meaning “free woman,” and Oscara is a Spanish name meaning “deer lover.”
Cherie is a French name meaning “darling,” while Cheryl is an English name meaning “beloved.” Ciara is an Irish name meaning “dark-haired,” while Katharina and Katherine are variations of the Greek name Katerina, which means “pure.” Finally, Katrina is a Russian name meaning “pure.”
In summary, the name Cara has several alternative spellings, each with its unique meaning and origin. It is pronounced as KAHR-ah and evokes feelings of camaraderie and caring.
Famous People Named Cara
The name Cara has been used by many notable individuals throughout history. Here are just a few examples of famous people named Cara:
-
Cara Black: A professional tennis player from Zimbabwe, Cara Black has won 60 career doubles titles and four Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles. She was also the world No. 1 doubles player in 2007.
-
Cara Delevingne: A British model, actress, and singer, Cara Delevingne has modeled for many high-profile brands and has appeared in several films, including “Paper Towns” and “Suicide Squad.” She is also an advocate for mental health awareness.
-
Cara Williams: An American actress, Cara Williams appeared in many films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “The Defiant Ones.”
-
Cara Jocelyn Delevingne: Another British model and actress, Cara Jocelyn Delevingne has modeled for many top designers and has appeared in several films, including “Anna Karenina” and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” She is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
-
Cara Elizabeth Dillon: An Irish folk singer, Cara Elizabeth Dillon has released several albums and has won numerous awards for her music. She has also collaborated with other musicians, including Sam Lakeman and John Smith.
-
Cara Buono: An American actress, Cara Buono has appeared in many films and television shows, including “Stranger Things” and “Mad Men.” She has also won several awards for her performances, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
-
Cara Delizia: An American actress, Cara Delizia is best known for her role as Fiona Phillips on the Nickelodeon television series “So Weird.” She has also appeared in several films and other television shows.
-
Cara Lockwood: An American author, Cara Lockwood has written many novels in the chick lit genre, including “I Do (But I Don’t)” and “Pink Slip Party.” She has also written for several magazines, including “Cosmopolitan” and “Marie Claire.”
-
Cara Luft: A Canadian folk musician, Cara Luft was a founding member of the band The Wailin’ Jennys. She has also released several solo albums and has won several awards for her music.
-
Cara Pifko: A Canadian actress, Cara Pifko has appeared in many films and television shows, including “This Is Wonderland” and “Better Than Chocolate.” She has also won several awards for her performances, including a Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role.
-
Cara Readle: A British actress, Cara Readle is best known for her role as Carmen Howle on the CBBC television series “The Story of Tracy Beaker.” She has also appeared in several other television shows and films.
-
Cara Seymour: An English actress, Cara Seymour has appeared in many films, including “American Psycho” and “Gangs of New York.” She has also appeared in several television shows and has won several awards for her performances.
-
Cara Zavaleta: An American reality television personality, Cara Zavaleta appeared on the MTV reality series “Road Rules: South Pacific” and “The Challenge.” She has also worked as a model and actress.
Cara in Pop Culture
The name Cara has made appearances in various forms of pop culture, including movies, books, and sports. Here are some examples:
- Star Wars: In the Star Wars universe, Cara Dune is a character played by actress Gina Carano. She is a former Rebel shock trooper who becomes a mercenary and helps the Mandalorian protect the Child.
- Author: Cara Black is a bestselling American author who has written several mystery novels set in Paris. Her books feature detective Aimee Leduc and are known for their vivid descriptions of the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
- Zimbabwean Tennis Player: Cara Black is a retired Zimbabwean professional tennis player who was once ranked No. 1 in doubles. She won ten Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, and also represented Zimbabwe in the Olympics.
- 19th Century: Cara is a name that has been used since the 19th century, although it did not become popular until after the 1950s. It is derived from the Italian word “cara,” which means “beloved” or “dear.”
- 1980s: The name Cara enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. It has since declined in popularity but remains a timeless and classic name.
Overall, the name Cara has made its mark in various areas of pop culture and continues to be a beloved name for many parents.
Personality and Numerology of Cara
Cara is a name that has a warm and friendly personality. It is commonly interpreted to mean “friend” or “beloved.” The name signifies warmth, loyalty, and a strong bond between the name bearer and their loved ones. In Irish culture, the name Cara is also associated with the concept of “soul friend” or “anam cara.”
According to numerology, the name Cara has a Name Number of 5, which signifies a daring, non-conventional personality that is interested in life’s delights and even uncertainties. People with this number are known to be kind, enjoy what life has to offer, and value freedom of thought.
Cara is a unisex name, but it is more commonly used for girls. The name has Italian and Gaelic origins, and it means “beloved” or “dear one.” It has been in use since the 19th century and has remained popular ever since.
Overall, the name Cara represents a friendly, warm, and loyal personality, with a touch of adventure and non-conformity. It is a name that is perfect for someone who values relationships, enjoys life, and has a free spirit.
Cara in Different Languages
The name Cara has origins in several different languages, including Irish, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Scandinavian languages. Here’s a brief overview of what the name means in some of these languages:
- Irish: In Irish, Cara means “friend” and is a popular name for girls.
- English: In English, Cara is derived from the Latin word “cārus,” which means “darling,” “beloved,” “dear,” or “loved one.” It is a popular name for girls and has been used since the 19th century.
- German: In German, Cara is a variant of the name Karla, which means “womanly” or “strong.”
- Italian: In Italian, Cara is derived from the word “caro,” which means “dear” or “beloved.” It is a popular name for girls in Italy and other Italian-speaking countries.
- Spanish: In Spanish, Cara means “face” or “expression.”
- Portuguese: In Portuguese, Cara means “face” or “expression” as well.
- French: In French, Cara is a variant of the name Carine, which means “beloved” or “dear.”
- Scandinavian languages: In Scandinavian languages, Cara is a variant of the name Karin, which means “pure” or “chaste.”
Overall, the name Cara has different meanings in different languages, but it generally connotes love, friendship, and beauty.
Etymology and History of Cara
Cara is a given name with a rich history and multiple etymologies. The name has roots in several languages, including Greek, Latin, Italian, and Irish.
In Italian, Cara is the feminine form of caro, meaning “dear” or “beloved.” The name has been used as a given name since the 19th century and became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a simple and friendly name that has a natural charm to it.
In Irish, Cara means “friend,” and it is a popular given name in Kerry, Ireland. The name’s social significance is evident in the fact that it is often used to denote a close friendship or relationship.
Cara is also an English, German, and Italian language feminine given name from the Latin cārus meaning “darling, beloved, dear, loved one.” The name’s popularity increased in the 1970s and reached its peak in 1977.
The name has undergone changes over time, including variations such as Kara and Karaugh. It has also inspired the creation of several other feminine names, including Carina, Cherie, and Cheryl.
In summary, Cara is a friendly and simple name with a rich history and multiple etymologies. Its popularity has varied over time, but it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a natural charm.
References
Here are some sources that were used to research the meaning and origin of the name Cara:
-
Wikipedia: This page provides a brief overview of the name Cara and its origins. It explains that the name has Greek, Irish, English, German, and Italian roots, and provides a meaning for each of these origins.
-
Nameberry: This site provides a more detailed description of the name’s meaning, origin, and popularity. It explains that Cara is a Latin name meaning “dear, friend, face” and that it was most popular in the 1970s-1990s.
-
The Bump: This site provides a brief overview of the meaning and origin of the name Cara, as well as its popularity ranking. It explains that the name is of Latin origin and means “beloved, friend”.
-
Behind the Name: This site provides a more detailed history of the name, explaining that it has been used as a given name since the 19th century and became popular after the 1950s. It also provides variants of the name, such as Kara and Karaugh.
Overall, these sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the meaning and origin of the name Cara.