The usage history of Cara in the USA would seem to show that it was actress Cara Williams who was most responsible for bringing this name to the attention of new parents. She got an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1958 for a role in the film "The Defiant Ones". Then she was the star of the TV sitcome "Pete & Gladys" 1960-1962. Though only two seasons were made, it was kept in reruns for several years afterward. And the name took a jump in 1965 just when she had a one year run as star of "The Cara Williams Show".
Cara is one of the cute little Asian girls on Jon and Kate Plus 8.
― Anonymous User 1/19/2008
3
To that anonymous user up there who mentioned Jon and Kate plus 8: Neither Cara, nor anyone else in the family, is Asian. For one thing, the kids aren't even all the way Asian, and also were born and so far raised in Pennsylvania. Last time I checked, Pennsylvania is not in Asia. Just saying.