Dara 2 is a unisex name of Khmer origin, meaning "star". It derives from Sanskrit tārā (तारा), which also means "star", and is related to the name Tara 2 used in Nepali. In Khmer, the name is spelled as ដារ៉ា and pronounced [ɗaːraː].Etymology and Cultural ContextThe Sanskrit root tārā appears across many South and Southeast Asian languages, often referring to celestial bodies or, in Hindu and Buddhist contexts, to a goddess. In Khmer culture, names derived from Sanskrit have been historically common due to the influence of Indianization in the region. The name Dara 2 reflects this linguistic heritage, where native Khmer terms coexist with loanwords from Sanskrit and Pali. While it shares its root with the more familiar name Tara, its usage in Cambodia gives it a distinct regional identity.SummaryMeaning: Star, from Sanskrit tārāOrigin: Khmer, ultimately SanskritType: Unisex first nameUsage Regions: Cambodia