Cara
Cara first appears in US records in 1882. It peaked in 1985, when 1,465 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 168.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Cara popular?
Declining Cara is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 1,273 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 3,830 | |
| 2000s | 6,034 | |
| 1990s | 9,844 | |
| 1980s | 13,277 | |
| 1970s | 10,413 | |
| 1960s | 5,779 | |
| 1950s | 1,291 | |
| 1940s | 492 | |
| 1930s | 305 | |
| 1920s | 281 | |
| 1910s | 219 | |
| 1900s | 113 | |
| 1890s | 91 | |
| 1880s | 63 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Cara mean?
Cara means “friend” in Irish (and “beloved” in Italian).
Names like Cara
Irish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Cara
Popular Irish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cara mean?
Cara means Friend. Cara means “friend” in Irish (and “beloved” in Italian).
What is the origin of the name Cara?
Cara is of Irish origin.
How do you pronounce Cara?
Cara is pronounced “KAR-uh.”
Is Cara a boy or a girl name?
Cara is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Cara a popular name right now?
Cara is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Cara?
In 2025, Cara ranked #1326 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Cara most popular?
Cara was most popular in 1985, when about 1,465 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Cara?
Names similar to Cara include Deirdre, Ciara, Saoirse, Sinead, Aoife.
What names go well with Cara?
Irish names that pair well with Cara include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Riley, Nora.