Girl Name · Italian/Irish Origin
Cara
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cara is a girl baby name of Italian/Irish origin, meaning "Beloved, friend". It currently sits in the Top 1000 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Cara often also consider Carra.
Names like Cara
Frequently asked about Cara
What does the name Cara mean?
Cara means "Beloved, friend" and is of Italian/Irish origin.
What is the origin of Cara?
Cara originates in Italian/Irish naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Cara?
Cara has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Cara a boy's or girl's name?
Cara is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Cara in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Cara sits in the Top 1000 tier — distinctive but not obscure.
What names are similar to Cara?
Names that share Cara's sound and style include Carra, Cora, Ciara, Ciera, Cierra.