Meaning & Origin
A female given name originating as a coinage.
Cara is a girl's and boy's baby name of Italian and Irish origin — in Italian it means 'dear, beloved' from Latin carus (dear, cherished), while in Irish Gaelic cara means 'friend.' Both meanings are beautiful.
Few names pack as much warmth into four letters. Cara is used across Italian, Irish, and English-speaking cultures, carrying in each a sense of closeness and affection. Supermodel Cara Delevingne gave the name fashion-world cool in the 2010s. Whether you want 'beloved' or 'friend,' Cara delivers both.