Kara Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kara originates from Latin and Italian, meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. It has evolved from the Italian 'cara' to its modern English form. The name carries traits of warmth and affection and does not have biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is currently viewed as elegant and modern.
The name Kara is most popular in Idaho, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kara has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kara' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6320th out of 7545 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5842nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3939th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5362nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19331st out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8441st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2773rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 740th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 176th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 113th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 238th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 593rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kara' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kara"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːrə/
Origin
Latin and Italian
Etymology
The name Kara is derived from the Italian word 'cara', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. In Latin, it is also associated with the meaning 'beloved'.
Meaning
dear, beloved
Language Evolution
Cara (Italian), Kara (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Kara gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries as a modern name.
Variants & Derivatives
Cara, Kare, Karina
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kara is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with kindness and warmth.
Famous People
Kara DioGuardi (American songwriter and music producer), Kara Hayward (American actress), Kara Tointon (British actress)
Explore More Kara Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kara"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kara"
"Kara" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6320th of 7545 | 12 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5842nd of 7552 | 18 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3939th of 10718 | 110 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5362nd of 16616 | 129 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 19331st of 24088 | 13 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8441st of 9107 | 7 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2773rd of 9204 | 190 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 740th of 12526 | 3,306 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 176th of 19264 | 26,794 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 113th of 27321 | 43,269 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 238th of 35406 | 21,707 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 593rd of 30306 | 6,236 |
Regional Popularity of "Kara" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
61.82% 3211th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
63.95% 4677th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kara" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
26.40% 588th/2227 |
29.34% 713th/2430 |
30.04% 857th/2853 |
24.11% 669th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.04% 148th/2937 |
4.28% 149th/3483 |
6.71% 236th/3518 |
4.70% 190th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.50% 92nd/3685 |
2.32% 104th/4475 |
2.48% 129th/5194 |
2.50% 158th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.15% 190th/4582 |
4.30% 222nd/5164 |
3.16% 231st/7313 |
4.96% 370th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
12.00% 478th/3984 |
14.04% 630th/4487 |
9.26% 632nd/6822 |
9.42% 591st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kara"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kara" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.