Origin and Meaning of Kara

Beloved / Friend

Origin: Italian / Gaelic - The name Kara may derive from the Italian 'cara', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. Alternatively, it is also linked to the Irish name 'Cára', which means 'friend'.

• Kara was popularized in the English-speaking world in the latter half of the 20th century, especially during the 1980s and 1990s.
• The name has variations in different cultures, such as Cara in Irish settings and Kaira in some Eastern European contexts.
• Notable bearers of the name Kara include Kara DioGuardi, an American songwriter and record producer, and Kara Lynn Joyce, an Olympic swimmer.
• Kara has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s when it was frequently chosen for baby girls.
• Related names include Cara, Kaira, and Karina, each with slight variations in pronunciation and meaning.