Carah

“Beloved” — Associated with Gaelic culture

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#15571US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

875All-time births

📅 Since 196900

What does Carah mean and where does it come from?

Carah is a variant of the name Cara, which comes from the Irish word 'cara' meaning friend, and is also linked to the Latin word 'carus', which means beloved. While it is mainly used in the United States, it has Irish roots and can be associated with Gaelic culture. The name's variations include Kar

Cultural significance

Carah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #3341 in 1999 — currently #15571 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Carah?

Carah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Carah Grace

How popular is Carah right now?

Falling — down 6368 spots — currently #15571 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2020#15571 · Top 11%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#15425	5	▼ down 6368 · -58% births
2015	#9057	12	▼ down 3415 · -50% births
2010	#5642	24	▲ up 1603 · +50% births
2005	#7245	16	▼ down 3818 · -59% births
2000	#3427	39	▲ up 199 · +30% births
1995	#3626	30	▲ up 2074 · +88% births
1990	#5700	16	▼ down 1295 · -11% births
1985	#4405	18	▲ up 2756 · +100% births
1980	#7161	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Carah

Best Year2000Rank #3427

Peak Count39

Average Rank#6854

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 20209 years

The story of Carah

Carah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 875 total births recorded, Carah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7161 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15425 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Carah in 1999:

Emily Hannah Alexis Sarah Samantha

Carah by decade

Carah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	5
1970s	38
1980s	147
1990s	251
2000s ★	261
2010s	168
2020s	5

💎Carah has only 875 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Carah?

Common

CarCarieCary

What names sound and feel like Carah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carah also consider these

Carrah

American · pure

Caral

American · A beloved name

Karah

American · A beloved name

Larah

American · a variant of

Cairah

American · A variation of

American · to rejoice

Common questions about the name Carah

What does the name Carah mean?

Carah means "Beloved" — a name rooted in American 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 Carah?

Carah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Carah?

Carah originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Carah a common or rare name?

Carah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Carah?

Carah naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.