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Carina

Girl name · 183 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Carina: 183 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 11 births in 1987.

Carina derives from the Latin *carus*, meaning “dear” or “beloved,” and is also the name of a southern constellation representing the keel of the Argo Navis. Among notable bearers are Hong Kong actress Carina Lau and Swedish dancer Carina Ari, who founded a ballet foundation. The name shares its root with the Italian *cara* and the Scottish Gaelic *caraid*, both meaning “friend.” A curious astronomical link: the Carina Nebula, a vast star-forming region, lies within the constellation. While not traditionally Scottish, Carina has appeared steadily on Scottish birth registers since the 1970s, often chosen for its melodic, international feel.