Kara
A girls’ name of Irish origin, meaning friend or dear; a form of Cara.
How Kara has moved
View as table
| Year | US rank |
|---|---|
| 2015 | #507 |
| 2016 | #499 |
| 2017 | #515 |
| 2018 | #500 |
| 2019 | #575 |
| 2020 | #672 |
| 2021 | #769 |
| 2022 | #874 |
| 2023 | #937 |
| 2024 | #988 |
Kara by the numbers
In 2025, 31 babies in England and Wales were named Kara. In the US, 606 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
For the size of the two countries, it is given several times more often in the US than in England and Wales.
Its American peak was 3,279 babies in 1991, so it is a 1990s name that has since fallen a long way.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Kara. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
- Kiralord or ruler; a form of Kyra817 in the US (2017)
- Karlafree woman; a form of Carla552 in the US (2017)
- Kyralord; lady; feminine form of Cyrus88 in England and Wales (2025)
- Koramaiden; form of Kore or Cora503 in the US (2017)
- Kayawater296 in the US (2017)
- Karmaaction, deed, fate, cosmic principle214 in the US (2017)
Sounds like Kara
Names that are said the same way as Kara, however they are written. Sounding alike does not mean they share a history.
- Caradear or beloved85 in England and Wales (2025)
- Karahhead; dear; a form of Cara or Karen37 in the US (2017)
- Khairagood, excellent17 in England and Wales (2025)
- Khairahgood; excellent; charitable13 in England and Wales (2025)
- Karrahprecious stone; a form of Cara or Kara10 in the US (2017)
- Kharahard or strong8 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean friendship
Like Kara, each of these has friendship in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Dakotafriends; allies2,330 in the US (2017)
- Ruthfriend or companion1,194 in the US (2017)
- Winniegentle friend; diminutive of Winfred or Winifred416 in England and Wales (2025)
- Bellamybeautiful friend; from bel ami381 in the US (2017)
- Samiraentertaining companion; fem. of Samir260 in the US (2017)
- Wendyfriend or friendly; created by J.M. Barrie for Peter Pan229 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean love
Like Kara, each of these has love in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Milagracious, dear1,014 in England and Wales (2025)
- Marystar of the sea; beloved2,381 in the US (2017)
- Rosethe rose flower; symbol of love666 in England and Wales (2025)
- Mollybeloved; a diminutive of Mary405 in England and Wales (2025)
- Freyalady; goddess of love1,802 in England and Wales (2025)
- Amybeloved1,724 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Kara
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