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Kara

Girl name · 1,611 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kara is a name with several possible origins, most often considered a modern variant of Cara, which derives from the Italian word for "beloved" or the Irish 'cara' meaning "friend." It also stands as a feminine form of the Gaelic 'ciar' for "dark" or "black-haired." The name gained international recognition through the fictional Kara "Supergirl" Zor-El from DC Comics, and its profile was further raised by the British singer-songwriter Kara Tointon. The name Carra, a Scottish place-name from the Gaelic for "spear," shares the same root as the 'dark' interpretation. As a variant spelling, Kara sits alongside the more traditional Cara and the Irish Ciara, though its use of a 'K' gives it a sleek, modern edge that has grown steadily popular since the late 20th century.