Cara
Meaning: Clear, bright, famous
Origin: Latin clara — feminine of clarus (clear, bright, illustrious)
Gender: Girl
Rank in Ireland: #114
Total births: 3,792
History: Cara means 'friend' in Irish, making it one of the warmest names in the language. The word is seen on Aer Lingus planes and in Irish hospitality everywhere. As a given name, Cara has grown in popularity since the 1990s, a gentle nod to the Irish value of welcome.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #52 |
| Babies named Cara in 2025 | 94 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 3,792 |
| Peak year | 2015 (185 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #27 |
| Years in records | 1966–2025 (60 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 16 spots |
Frequently asked about Cara
What does the name Cara mean?
Cara means “Clear, bright, famous” from Latin clara — feminine of clarus (clear, bright, illustrious) roots.
What is the origin of the name Cara?
Cara has Latin clara — feminine of clarus (clear, bright, illustrious) origin. The traditional meaning is “Clear, bright, famous”.
How popular is Cara in Ireland?
Cara ranked #52 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 94 babies that year.
When was Cara most popular?
Cara peaked in 2015 with 185 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Cara a boy or girl name?
Cara is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Caras in registered births are female.
Is the name Cara rising or falling in popularity?
Cara has fallen 16 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #36 in 2020 to #52 in 2025.
How long has Cara been recorded in Ireland?
Cara appears in birth records in Ireland across 60 years — from 1966 through 2025.