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Origin and meaning of the name Carita

What is the origin of the name Carita?

The name Carita is a feminine given name that has Finnish and Spanish origins. In Finnish, Carita is a variant of the name Karitta, which comes from the Old Norse Káraðr meaning "free woman." It's been popular in Finland since the 19th century. In Spanish, Carita means "little face," and it has been used as a diminutive or pet form of names like Carolina (free man) or Carlota (woman's power). It is also used as a standalone name in Spain and Latin America. Both origins highlight the feminine and sweet connotations associated with the name Carita.

Learn more about the origin of the name Carita

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Carita

The name Carita is of Finnish origin and means "face" or "expression." It is a unisex name, but more commonly used for females. In Finland, Carita is a popular given name, ranking among the top names for girls born in the country during the late 20th century. The name Carita has also been adopted by speakers of other languages and is now found worldwide as a personal name. It gained popularity outside of Finland due to its attractive and meaningful connotation, emphasizing the significance of facial expressions and emotional connections in human relationships.

Character traits associated with the name Carita

Carita is often associated with individuals who embody warmth, charm, and grace. This name, derived from Finnish origins, suggests an individual who is kind-hearted, compassionate, and caring. They are known for their gentle nature and the ability to radiate positivity in any given situation. Caritas, the Latin root of the name, means 'love,' reflecting a person with a strong emotional bond towards others. Additionally, individuals named Carita may exhibit a strong sense of self-expression, as the name suggests creativity and artistic flair. They are likely to be sensitive, empathetic, and deeply understanding, making them valued companions and friends.

Popularity of the name Carita

Carita is a feminine given name of Finnish and Spanish origin, derived from the word "caritas" meaning "charity" in Latin. The name Carita gained popularity in Finland due to its association with the term 'karitasa,' which means 'little charity' in Finnish. In Spain, it's used less frequently but is still recognized as a traditional name. Globally, however, Carita is not widely used and does not rank among the most popular names, according to data from baby name databases. Its unique cultural significance in Finland makes it more prominent there compared to other regions.

Famous people with the name Carita

Carita is an uncommon given name, but it has been borne by several notable individuals in various fields. Carita Ward (born 1968), a Canadian actress, is best known for her role as Dot Jones in the television series Fargo. In Finland, Carita Holm-Vesikivi (1873–1954) was a poet and writer who played a significant role in Finnish literature during the early 20th century. Another Finnish figure with the name is Carita Salo (born 1960), a politician who served as the Minister of Employment and the Economy from 2015 to 2019. In the world of ballet, Carita Talvitie-Virtanen (1883–1943) was a pioneering Finnish ballerina who performed with the Ballet Russes under Sergei Diaghilev. Lastly, Carita Eveson (born 1952), an American artist, is known for her large-scale installations made from reclaimed materials. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and talent associated with the name Carita across various domains.

Variations of the name Carita

Carita is a female given name that originates from Finland and means "face" or "expression." It is a popular Finnish name and has several variations in different languages and cultures. Some of these variations include:

* Kari (Finnish masculine form)
* Karitta (Finnish feminine form with the added suffix -tta)
* Caritina (Italian form)
* Karina (German, Spanish, and Scandinavian form)
* Karoline (German form)
* Carolina (Spanish and Portuguese form)
* Karolina (Polish form)
* Kari-Ann (Norwegian form)
* Karrie (English form)
* Carrie (English form)

Carita is a unique and beautiful name that can be adapted to many different cultures. It is a name that conveys warmth, friendliness, and approachability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a distinctive yet timeless moniker for their daughter.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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