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Fara

Girl name · 12 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Fara: 12 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2019.

Fara is a name with a rich tapestry of origins, most commonly derived from Arabic, where it means “joy” or “delight,” and also from Scottish Gaelic, where it can be a feminine form of Farquhar, meaning “dear one” or “beloved.” In a modern context, the name gained visibility through Fara Williams, the celebrated English footballer and one of the most capped players in women’s international football history, known for her skill and longevity. While no major place bears the name directly, the root word shares a linguistic kinship with “farah,” a common element in Arabic place names and personal names. A curious note: Fara also appears as a short form of names like Farah or Farhana in various cultures, and it has a sleek, contemporary feel that has seen modest but steady use in Scotland since the late 20th century.