Cara

Updated: October 23, 2023 by Sarah Nance

Cara is a simple and sweet baby girl's name. International in its appeal, the name Cara is highly recognizable in popular culture. Cara Dune is a character in Star Wars, and Cara Mason is an important character in the Sword of Truth series. It can be pronounced in a few ways and is a name that is still used to this day among new parents. Keep reading to learn more about this classic name.

Meaning and Origin of the name Cara:

Cara has several distinct etymologies that give this name its favorable history. The most common origin is the Latin word cārus (meaning “beloved,” “darling” or “dear”). In most Romance languages, Cara can also mean “face” (borrowed from the Old Latin word for “head”).

Cara is also an Irish feminine name that means “friend.” In the Cornish language, Cara means “love,” and it is a cognate of the beautiful Welsh name Carys. For Turkish speakers, Cara means “dark.” Some scholars have linked the Turkish version to the Gaelic name Ciara (which shares the same meaning). Finally, the Greek translation of Cara is “pure,” and it is related to the longer names Catherine, Catrina, and Catarina.

Symbolism of the name Cara:

Cara derives from the Latin word cārus (meaning “beloved”). The symbol for the beloved is the heart. In the Irish language, Cara means “friend.” An important concept in Irish spirituality is the anam cara (“soul friend”). Aman cara refers to a person's true lifelong companion, and the expression is a favorite endearment of Saint Bridget of Kildare (a patron saint of Ireland).