Last Name Kara

The surname "Kara" is of Greek origin. In Greek, "kara" means "black". This surname could have been given to someone who had black hair, lived by a black rock or was associated with something dark in color. It is also common among the Greeks of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). However, the exact origins can vary based on individual family histories and migrations over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kara

The meaning and origin of the last name Kara

The surname Kara is primarily of Greek origin, derived from the word "karlatos" or "karamanos," which means "black-skinned" or "tanner." In Ancient Greece, it was an occupational name given to individuals who worked as tanners, a profession that involved treating animal hides with dye. Over time, the surname spread across Europe, particularly in regions with significant Greek populations such as Turkey and the Balkans. Today, Kara is a widely recognized surname in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Bulgaria, and other countries. In some instances, it may also be spelled as Karas, Karatzas, or Karagiozis, among other variations. As a common name, the meaning and origins of Kara reflect the historical significance of occupations in personal identity and naming practices across various cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kara

The surname Kara is predominantly found in areas with historical ties to the Ottoman Empire and its successor states. It is most common among populations in Turkey, particularly in regions such as Anatolia, Marmara, and the Black Sea coast. A significant number of Karas can also be found in the Balkans, including Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania. Smaller concentrations exist in other countries with a large Turkish or Muslim population, such as Greece, Cyprus, and some parts of the Middle East. Additionally, due to historical migrations and diaspora, Karas can be found in various Western European countries, North America, and Australia, albeit in much smaller numbers compared to their original homelands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kara

The surname Kara, though primarily of Turkish origin, has various spellings and pronunciations across different cultures and languages. In English, it is typically spelled as "Kara". However, due to the phonetic differences in other languages, you may encounter alternate spellings such as Karah (Cyrillic), Karas (Greek), Karra (Arabic), Karrá (Hungarian), and Karras (Latin). These variations reflect the global influence and migration patterns of individuals bearing this name. Despite these differences, the root "Kara" signifies "black" in Turkish, providing a common cultural identity among those who share this surname.

Famous people with the last name Kara

Notable individuals with the surname Kara include:

1. Kara Corvette, an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "One Tree Hill" and "The Vampire Diaries".
2. Alexey Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition politician and activist who is a vocal critic of the Russian government.
3. Kara Swisher, an American journalist, technology industry insider, and co-executive editor of Recode and co-host of the technology podcast "Recode Decode".
4. Nesrin Kara, a Turkish actress and model who won the Miss Turkey pageant in 2018 and represented Turkey at the Miss Universe pageant that same year.
5. Fikret Kara, a Turkish former professional footballer who played as a striker for several clubs in Turkey and abroad, including Galatasaray SK and Trabzonspor.
6. Nuri Kara, a Turkish businessman and founder of the Kara Holding conglomerate, which operates in various sectors including construction, finance, real estate, energy, retail, and healthcare.
7. Kara Walker, an American artist known for her large-scale installations and silhouette art that explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, and violence.

Genealogical research on the last name Kara

The surname Kara originates from several regions, primarily Turkey and Greece. In Turkish, "Kara" translates to "black," indicating a person with dark features or a profession related to darkness, such as coal mining or pottery firing. In Greek, it can mean "village chief."

In Anatolia, the Kara tribe was a significant Ottoman military family during the late Byzantine and early Ottoman periods. The Karas were governors of Smyrna (Izmir) in the 15th century and later became the beys of Karaman, an independent principality in south-central Anatolia.

In Greece, the Kara family has a long history dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Notable members include Konstantinos Kara, a renowned historian who served as Prime Minister and President of Greece in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family also played significant roles in the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman Empire.

Over time, the Kara surname spread globally due to migrations and diasporas, with notable communities in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other Western countries. The diverse backgrounds of the Kara family contribute to a rich and varied history that continues to unfold today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kara"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 June 2025

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