Nara is of Japanese origin, meaning "sound" or "melody". It's composed of two kanji characters: "na", meaning sound or melody, and "ra", which signifies calmness or quietness. This name carries a harmonious and peaceful connotation, reflecting its Japanese roots. Nara is often used as a feminine given name but can also be used as a unisex name in some cultures. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and has since become widely recognized around the world. In Japan, Nara is associated with the ancient capital city of the same name, which was once the seat of power during the 8th century. However, the name's meaning and pronunciation are not directly linked to the city's history or culture. Instead, it stands independently as a beautiful and meaningful given name in its own right.
The name Nara has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with a total of 908 births recorded between 1909 and 2023. The number of births peaked recently, with 49 births in 2021 and 46 births in 2022, indicating a current trend towards increased usage. However, the name's popularity has not been consistent; for instance, there were only 5 births recorded in some years like 1933, 1947, and 1949. Overall, while Nara has experienced periods of both high and low popularity, its recent surge in usage suggests it may continue to be a favored name choice.