Find out how popular the first name Cara has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cara by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cara is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Cara being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 181 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cara.

The history of the first name Cara

The name Cara is derived from the Latin word "carus," which means "beloved" or "dear." It is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where it was likely used as a term of endearment or a nickname for someone who was particularly cherished or admired.

Cara has its roots in the Italian language and culture, where it has been a popular name for centuries. It was commonly used as a pet name or a shortened form of longer Italian names such as Carissima or Caramia, which also carry the meaning of "dearest" or "most beloved."

The name Cara has been documented in various historical records and texts throughout the centuries. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the works of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived in the 1st century BC. In his collection of love poems, Amores, Ovid uses the term "cara" to address his beloved.

In the Middle Ages, the name Cara gained popularity in Italy and other parts of Europe. It was often used as a name for girls born into noble or aristocratic families, reflecting the affectionate and endearing connotations of the name.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Cara can be found in the historical records of the Medici family, a prominent Italian Renaissance dynasty. In the 15th century, there was a woman named Cara de' Medici, who was a member of this influential family.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Cara. One of the most famous was Cara Delevingne, an English model, actress, and singer born in 1992. Another well-known Cara was Cara Zeichner, an American television personality and journalist born in 1981.

In literature, the name Cara has been used for several fictional characters. One notable example is Cara Dune, a character from the Star Wars universe introduced in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian."

Other notable individuals named Cara include Cara Buono, an American actress born in 1974, and Cara Black, an American crime fiction writer born in 1951.

While the name Cara has its roots in ancient Rome and has been used throughout history, it remains a popular and endearing choice for parents today, carrying with it a sense of affection and warmth.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cara was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cara, please contact us.

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