NameCensus.

UK surname

Cara

An Italian surname derived from the Latin word "carus," meaning beloved or dear.

In the 1881 census there were 20 people recorded with the Cara surname, ranking it #30,738 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 156, ranked #23,098, up from #30,738 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northampton, Middlesbrough and Fylde.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Cara is 158 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 680.0%.

1881 census count

20

Ranked #30,738

Modern count

156

2016, ranked #23,098

Peak year

2015

158 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Cara had 20 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #30,738 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 156 in 2016, ranked #23,098.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 75 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Cara surname distribution map

The map shows where the Cara surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Cara surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Cara over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 13 #30,970
1861 historical 75 #24,238
1881 historical 20 #30,738
1891 historical 33 #31,681
1901 historical 19 #31,911
1911 historical 32 #29,838
1997 modern 72 #30,415
1998 modern 78 #30,192
1999 modern 76 #30,546
2000 modern 82 #29,922
2001 modern 81 #29,828
2002 modern 87 #29,644
2003 modern 84 #29,978
2004 modern 88 #29,758
2005 modern 92 #29,271
2006 modern 108 #27,015
2007 modern 117 #26,066
2008 modern 119 #26,067
2009 modern 121 #26,373
2010 modern 134 #25,263
2011 modern 127 #25,926
2012 modern 150 #23,264
2013 modern 149 #23,765
2014 modern 152 #23,631
2015 modern 158 #22,913
2016 modern 156 #23,098

Geography

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Where Caras are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northampton, Middlesbrough, Fylde and Brent. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northampton 026 Northampton
2 Middlesbrough 007 Middlesbrough
3 Middlesbrough 011 Middlesbrough
4 Fylde 002 Fylde
5 Brent 026 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Cara

These lists show first names that appear often with the Cara surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Cara

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Cara, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Cara surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Cara household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Cara is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Cara is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Cara falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Cara is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Cara, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Cara

The surname CARA is of Italian origin, with roots dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Latin word "carus," meaning "dear" or "beloved." This name likely originated as a nickname or descriptive term for someone who was highly valued or cherished within their community.

The earliest recorded instances of the CARA surname can be traced back to the regions of Tuscany and Umbria in central Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries. Historical records from this time period, including municipal archives and church registers, contain references to individuals bearing variations of the name, such as Cara, Caro, and Carri.

One of the earliest known bearers of the CARA name was Giovanni Cara, a prominent merchant and landowner who lived in the city of Perugia, Umbria, in the late 13th century. Records from the Perugia municipal archives mention his involvement in various trade agreements and land transactions.

In the 15th century, the CARA surname gained prominence in the region of Tuscany, particularly in the city of Florence. Sebastiano Cara, a skilled sculptor and architect, was commissioned to work on several notable projects, including the design of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore's façade in 1588.

During the Renaissance period, the CARA name was also associated with the arts and literature. Tommaso Cara, a poet and playwright born in Siena in 1472, gained recognition for his works celebrating the beauty of the Tuscan landscape and the virtues of courtly love.

As the CARA surname spread across Italy, it became intertwined with various place names. For instance, in the region of Campania, the town of Caramanico Terme derived its name from the Latin phrase "Cara Manica," which translates to "dear dwelling."

Notable individuals with the CARA surname include:

1. Gaetano Cara (1801-1885), an Italian botanist and naturalist known for his contributions to the study of Mediterranean flora. 2. Maria Cara (1888-1968), an Italian opera singer who performed at renowned venues such as La Scala in Milan. 3. Antonio Cara (1927-2003), an Italian film director and screenwriter, best known for his neorealist films depicting the struggles of working-class Italians. 4. Giancarlo Cara (born 1942), an Italian businessman and entrepreneur, the founder of the successful fashion brand Cara Moda. 5. Alessandra Cara (born 1996), a Canadian singer-songwriter of Italian descent, known for her hit singles "Here" and "Scars to Your Beautiful."

While the CARA surname has endured for centuries, its origins can be traced back to the heartlands of medieval Italy, where it was borne by individuals who were cherished and valued within their communities.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Cara families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Cara surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Cornwall leads with 10 Caras recorded in 1881 and an index of 45.33x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 10 45.33x
Middlesex 6 3.08x
Gloucestershire 2 5.23x
Lancashire 1 0.43x
Surrey 1 1.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Madron Penzance in Cornwall leads with 10 Caras recorded in 1881 and an index of 1250.00x.

Place Total Index
Madron Penzance 10 1250.00x
St Pancras London 2 12.76x
Tottenham 2 64.52x
Bristol St James In 1 178.57x
Bristol St Paul In 1 98.04x
Croston 1 833.33x
Croydon 1 18.98x
Islington London 1 5.29x
St Gilesin Fields London 1 625.00x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Cara surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Kate 2
Agnes 1
Annie 1
Edith 1
Harriet 1
Louisa 1
M.A. 1
Mary 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Cara surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 2
Stephen 2
Alfred 1
Francis 1
George 1
Herbert 1
Howard 1
R. 1
Thos. 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Cara households.

FAQ

Cara surname: questions and answers

How common was the Cara surname in 1881?

In 1881, 20 people were recorded with the Cara surname. That placed it at #30,738 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Cara surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 156 in 2016. That gives Cara a modern rank of #23,098.

What does the Cara surname mean?

An Italian surname derived from the Latin word "carus," meaning beloved or dear.

What does the Cara map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Cara bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.