What does Karah mean and where does it come from?
Karah is a modern phonetic spelling of 'Cara,' which comes from the Irish word 'cara' meaning 'friend.' Over time, variations of the name have surfaced, with Karah being one of the more contemporary iterations. The name is often used in the United States as part of the trend toward unique, personali
Cultural significance
Karah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #1418 in 2000 — currently #9933 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karah?
Karah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karah Claire
French influence · crisp
Karah Jane
Literary · strong
Karah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karah right now?
Falling — down 598 spots — currently #9933 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9933 | 10 | ▼ down 598 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #9335 | 11 | ▼ down 1891 · -27% births |
| 2021 | #7444 | 15 | ▼ down 1760 · -29% births |
| 2020 | #5684 | 21 | ▼ down 2127 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #3557 | 44 | ▼ down 1235 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #2322 | 82 | ▼ down 382 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #1940 | 99 | ▼ down 522 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #1418 | 131 | ▲ up 319 · +56% births |
| 1995 | #1737 | 84 | ▼ down 25 · -2% births |
| 1990 | #1712 | 86 | ▲ up 535 · +87% births |
| 1985 | #2247 | 46 | ▲ up 343 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #2590 | 37 | ▲ up 3788 · +311% births |
| 1975 | #6378 | 9 | ▲ up 2757 · +80% births |
| 1970 | #9135 | 5 | — |
The story of Karah
Karah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 3,228 total births recorded, Karah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9135 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9933 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karah in 2000:
Karah by decade
Karah peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 174 | |
| 1980s | 562 | |
| 1990s | 928 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,043 | |
| 2010s | 500 | |
| 2020s | 21 | |
💎With 3,228 total births, Karah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Karah?
What names sound and feel like Karah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karah also consider these
Common questions about the name Karah
What does the name Karah mean?
Karah means "A beloved name with deep roots" — 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 Karah?
Karah 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 Karah?
Karah 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.
How do you pronounce the name Karah?
Karah is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Karah a common or rare name?
Karah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.