"dear, beloved, darling"
Origin: Italian/Latin
Language: Italian
Kara
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-uh ]
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Beloved in every language it touches
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Turkish
Irish
English
American
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Kara
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Meaning & Origin
"dark, black"
Origin: Turkish
Language: Turkish
"friend"
Origin: Celtic/Irish
Language: Irish
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The Story of Kara
Kara has multiple independent origins that converged into one name. In Italian and Latin, cara means dear or beloved, a term of endearment. In Turkish, kara means dark or black. In Irish, it derives from cara, meaning friend. The K-spelling emerged as an American variant of Cara, giving the name a slightly more modern edge.
Kara peaked in American popularity during the 1960s-70s, part of the same wave that brought Karen, Kim, and other K-names. It enjoyed renewed attention through the TV series Supergirl, where the protagonist's name is Kara Zor-El.
In Turkey, Kara carries the meaning of dark, appearing in many place names and traditional contexts. In the Celtic world, cara as friend holds warmth and community significance.
Historical Record
Kara first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 101,200 babies have been named Kara in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kara is past its peak , currently ranked #989 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kara Zor-El is Supergirl's Kryptonian name in DC Comics
- In Turkish, kara appears in the word for mainland and many place names
- The name exists independently in at least three unrelated language families
Kara in Other Languages
Irish
Cara
French
Cara
Italian
Cara
Spanish
Cara
Turkish
Kara
Popularity Over Time
#989
Current Rank
Peaked 1984
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kara
K
Kara Tointon
Actor
1983
British actress known for EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing
K
Kara DioGuardi
Musician
1970
American singer-songwriter and former American Idol judge
K
Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) Fictional
Other
DC Comics superhero, cousin of Superman, with her own TV series on CBS and CW
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Compare Kara with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #989
- Total SSA Count
- 261
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Turkish Irish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kara
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kara is also used as a boy name, ranked #11939.
View Kara as a boy name →Similar Names
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Hebrew roots origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kara
What does the name Kara mean?
"dear, beloved, darling" (from Italian/Latin). "dark, black" (from Turkish). "friend" (from Celtic/Irish). Kara has multiple independent origins that converged into one name. In Italian and Latin, cara means dear or beloved, a term of endearment. In Turkish, kara means dark or black. In Irish, it derives from cara, meaning friend. The K-spelling emerged as an American variant of Cara, giving the name a slightly more modern edge.
What is the origin of the name Kara?
Kara has Italian/Latin, Turkish, Celtic/Irish, Italian, Irish, English, and American origins. In Italian/Latin, it means "dear, beloved, darling". In Turkish, it means "dark, black". In Celtic/Irish, it means "friend".
Is Kara a boy or girl name?
Kara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #989. As a boy name, it is ranked #11939. Kara is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kara?
Kara is pronounced k-EHR-uh.
How popular is the name Kara?
Kara is currently ranked #989 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kara?
Popular middle name pairings include Kara Louise, Kara Anne, Kara Marie, Kara Elizabeth, Kara Sophia, Kara Jane, and Kara Rose.
What are good sibling names for Kara?
Names that pair well with Kara as siblings include Mara, Tara, Lara, Marcus, Derek, Ryan, and Alana.
How many syllables does Kara have?
Kara has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kara a common or rare name?
Kara is moderately common, ranked #989 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Kara?
About the Name Kara
Kara is a girl name with Italian, Turkish, Irish, English, and American origins . The name means "dear, beloved, darling" in Italian/Latin .
Is Kara a boy or girl name? Kara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #989 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #11,939. Kara is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kara is currently ranked #989 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kara has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kara include Karla, Karsyn, Karina, Karter, Karolina . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis