The name Kara holds a certain charm, a blend of simplicity and strength that resonates with many parents. But how popular is the name Kara, and what lies behind its appeal? Let’s delve into the details of this captivating name, exploring its history, popularity trends, and variations.
(Image of Kara)
Kara Name Popularity
Are you curious about the name Kara‘s journey through the years? The provided data offers a fascinating glimpse into its popularity.
Looking at the data, Kara was virtually absent from the Social Security Administration’s records until the mid-20th century. Between 1910 and 1946, the name barely registered, with zero births recorded in most years. It wasn’t until 1947 that Kara made a small appearance, with only 6 births and a rank of 1,723.
The name remained relatively obscure until the 1960s, when it began to climb in popularity. The 1970s and 1980s saw Kara reach its peak, consistently ranking among the top 150 names in the United States. 1974-1991 saw the most popularity for Kara. The name reached its peak in 1984 with a rank of 95.
However, the name has slowly declined in popularity, it has slowly declined since then, with a rank of 917 in 2023, with only 241 births. While it may not be as trendy as it once was, Kara remains a recognizable and well-liked name.
Kara Name Popularity Over Time:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1946 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1947 | 1,723 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1950 | 1,788 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1955 | 1,183 | 30 | 0.0016% |
| 1960 | 1,011 | 67 | 0.0035% |
| 1965 | 318 | 760 | 0.0465% |
| 1970 | 210 | 1,479 | 0.0929% |
| 1975 | 118 | 2,357 | 0.1834% |
| 1980 | 127 | 2,443 | 0.1671% |
| 1985 | 98 | 2,811 | 0.1852% |
| 1990 | 110 | 3,034 | 0.1831% |
| 1995 | 150 | 2,142 | 0.1421% |
| 2000 | 193 | 1,630 | 0.1067% |
| 2005 | 266 | 1,206 | 0.0789% |
| 2010 | 287 | 1,101 | 0.0764% |
| 2015 | 492 | 586 | 0.0403% |
| 2020 | 666 | 377 | 0.0296% |
| 2023 | 917 | 241 | 0.0186% |
Data from SSA.gov
Meaning and Origin
While the data shows the popularity of Kara, it doesn’t tell us about its meaning. There are multiple possible origins and meanings attributed to Kara.
- Italian: In Italian, Cara means "beloved" or "dear." Kara can be a variant of this Italian name.
- Irish: It can be a variant of Ciara, which means "dark" or "black-haired."
- Slavic: In some Slavic languages, Kara relates to words meaning "punishment" or "fine."
- Greek: Kara is sometimes considered a short form of Katherine, which means "pure."
The flexibility in meaning adds to the name’s appeal, allowing parents to choose the interpretation that best resonates with them.
Names Like Kara: Variations and Similar Sounds
If you are drawn to Kara but seeking something slightly different, many excellent alternatives exist.
Variants of Kara:
- Cara: This is a simple and classic option with the same "beloved" meaning.
- Kaira: Combines "beloved" with "lord."
- Karah: A slightly different spelling.
- Karalee, Karalie, Karalyn, Karalynn: Adding suffixes can create a more elaborate feel.
- Karee, Kari, Kariana, Kariann, Karianna, Karianne, Karie: These variations offer subtle changes in sound and spelling.
- Karielle, Karrah, Karri, Karrie, Kary: More options to consider.
Names that Sound Like Kara:
- Kaara: A slight spelling variation.
- Karra: Another close soundalike.
- Kera: Similar sound, but different origin.
- Kiara, Kira: These are popular alternatives with a similar feel.
- Kora, Kyra: These are also similar and popular alternatives.
Similar Names:
- Katherine: A classic choice with a different meaning ("pure").
Sibling Names
The name Kara often pairs well with other popular and timeless names. According to the data, siblings of those named Kara often have the names David or Keiran.
- David: A classic Hebrew name meaning "beloved."
- Keiran: An Irish name meaning "dark."
Conclusion
Kara is a name with a rich history, varied meanings, and a sweet sound. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a solid choice for parents seeking a name that is both familiar and distinctive. Whether you’re drawn to its Italian roots, its connection to classic names like Katherine, or simply its pleasing sound, Kara is a name worthy of consideration.
