What does Camara mean and where does it come from?
The name Camara is used predominantly in West African countries, specifically in Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. It carries connotations of leadership and nobility in the Mandinka culture. The name is also used in Islamic contexts, where it may relate to beauty, as it links to the Arabic word meaning 'mo
Cultural significance
Camara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Senegal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mandinka.
Peak popularity
Reached #3583 in 1994 — currently #8459 in the US.
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Related Reading
Senegal-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Camara?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Camara?
Camara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Camara Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Camara Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Camara Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Camara Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Camara Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Camara Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Camara right now?
Rising fast — up 1975 spots — currently #8459 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8459 | 12 | ▲ up 1975 · +33% births |
| 2024 | #10434 | 9 | ▼ down 9750 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #684 | 1,516 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #689 | 1,496 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #694 | 1,466 | ▲ up 8323 · +13227% births |
| 2020 | #9017 | 11 | ▼ down 915 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #8102 | 14 | ▼ down 2799 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #5303 | 26 | ▲ up 1028 · +37% births |
| 2005 | #6331 | 19 | ▼ down 31 · +12% births |
| 2000 | #6300 | 17 | ▼ down 2471 · -39% births |
| 1995 | #3829 | 28 | ▲ up 2457 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #6286 | 14 | ▼ down 1054 |
| 1985 | #5232 | 14 | ▲ up 5867 · +180% births |
| 1980 | #11099 | 5 | ▼ down 4209 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #6890 | 8 | — |
The story of Camara
Camara is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 826 total births recorded, Camara remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6890 in 1975 to #684 in 2023. Camara is used for both genders: 90% female and 10% male.
Names that peaked alongside Camara in 1994:
Camara by decade
Camara peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 14 | |
| 1970s | 95 | |
| 1980s | 85 | |
| 1990s | 218 | |
| 2000s ★ | 236 | |
| 2010s | 167 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎Camara has only 826 total recorded births since 1967 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Camara?
What names sound and feel like Camara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Camara also consider these
Common questions about the name Camara
What does the name Camara mean?
Camara means "Mandinka" — a name rooted in Senegal tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Camara?
Camara is currently ranked #684 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Camara?
Camara originates from Senegal tradition. Senegal names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Camara?
Camara is a three-syllable name pronounced kah-MAH-ruh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Camara?
Camara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Senegal heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.