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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Anna vs Cara

29 replies

Janinec123 · 26/03/2015 13:04

Hey all

We are in Ireland and are trying to decide on girl options. We are finding it difficult to agree on a girls name we both like. Anna and Cara have come up so wondering what all your opinions are on these and which you would pick??

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CommanderShepard · 26/03/2015 13:12

I love Anna - I have one myself Grin we have a big complicated surname so a short, easy to spell forename was important to us. Some MNers think it's boring but the Annas I know are anything but.

I do also love Cara though! It was on my shortlist for DD - if this bump is a girl I think she will be Cara or Clara.

Janinec123 · 26/03/2015 13:17

Yes I really like both. I think my fear is picking one over other and regretting it. Also I know there are others in both my family and oh family if they ever had Girls are considering Anna so I hate offending and don't want to use it if they will think I've taken it from then -even though ive always thought Anna!! I do love how simple and girly they both are. I'm struggling not to worry about what others think and I know I shouldnt!! Confused

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Mrsteddyruxpin · 26/03/2015 13:24

I would pick Anna

would you consider Aine? Joanna?

Janinec123 · 26/03/2015 13:27

Yes we are very open to suggestions!! Smile
There are so many to choose from but we don't like the more madeup modern type. It's more simple traditional type. Our surname is difficult to get one that flows nicely.

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squoosh · 26/03/2015 13:43

Cara is nice but as it's an Irish word I bet there are loads of companies that use it as their business name. Cara Combine Harvesters and the like. And of course there's the brand of matches.

I do like it though and prefer it to Anna.

Totality22 · 26/03/2015 19:28

To me Anna is very classic but Cara is a bit of an "en vogue" name.

tomandizzymum · 26/03/2015 19:29

Anna Cara. Sorted Wink

Leeds2 · 26/03/2015 19:57

I love both. Think I would choose Anna.

Sophronia · 26/03/2015 20:21

I prefer Anna.

Gemerama · 27/03/2015 09:47

This reply has been deleted

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stormyboots · 27/03/2015 10:06

I think Anna is a beautiful name and love the simplicity of it.
Cara is nice too but doesn't have the timeless, classic feel that Anna has imo

Box5883284322679964228 · 27/03/2015 10:08

If you love the name Anna, use Anna.

I prefer Clara to Cara

Box5883284322679964228 · 27/03/2015 10:08

Anna is timeless classic but Cara feels more fashionable

Janinec123 · 27/03/2015 13:57

Yes that's where im struggling im afraid cara might date more so than a timeless one. I know some may feel Anna is boring but it will be one of those names that won't date maybe?? Oh it's so difficult!!!

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shitebag · 27/03/2015 14:01

I have a Cara, have only ever met 2 others in their late teens/20's.

I love it and we get lots of compliments on it :)

museumum · 27/03/2015 14:03

I'm scottish and my girls names were cara or rona (we had a boy). I'd be wary of anna right now due to frozen. Though it is quite timeless.

MotherOfInsomniacToddlers · 27/03/2015 15:00

I love Anna

Janinec123 · 28/03/2015 20:10

Yes Anna was our initial choice and now We are querying if it's the right option.

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flanjabelle · 28/03/2015 20:14

The cara I know is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet. she is kind, selfless, just generally a beautiful person. for that reason I say Cara.

WitchesGlove · 28/03/2015 20:16

Prefer Anna

Would you consider Carla instead of Cara?

ashesandfire · 28/03/2015 20:17

I love Anna, simple and gorgeous.
interesting that pps say Cara is fashionable, to me it is quite dated. Clara?

Rarry · 28/03/2015 20:20

Anna is gorgeous - we really liked it for DD2, but it didn't go with our surname.

Really not keen on Cara, doesn't have that same classic feel, although I do love Clara. Funny the difference a letter makes Grin.

wigglesrock · 28/03/2015 20:34

I have an Anna (she's 4), Ive 3 daughters I love all their names but Anna is probably my favourite name which is strange because it never popped up when we were thinking about names with our older daughters. Her best friend in nursery is Cara Smile.

Janinec123 · 28/03/2015 20:37

If you don't mind me asking what have you called your other daughters? We love Anna and cara just so difficult to decide

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RhubarbAndMustard · 28/03/2015 20:39

Love Anna, but prefer Carla to Cara.