girl name · Irish origin
Cara
/ KAR-uh /
Meaning
Cara means Friend (Irish).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
KAR-uh
Popularity
#1326 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Cara in the US, 1880–2025
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.
What does Cara mean?
Cara means “friend” in Irish (and “beloved” in Italian).
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.
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.