carus

Carus is a name of Latin origin, derived from the adjective carus, meaning dear or beloved. The masculine form is carus, with feminine cara and neuter carum, and the name has been used as both a given name and a surname in various European languages.

The best-known historical bearer is the Roman emperor Carus, who reigned from 282 to 283 CE during a period of military reform and expansion. He died during a campaign against the Sassanid Empire, and his death led to a contested succession between his sons Numerian and Carinus, who each became emperor in turn.

In modern times, Carus appears as a surname and, more rarely, as a given name. It is found in several cultures and is sometimes chosen to evoke classical or antiquarian associations. Beyond personal names, Carus also appears in organizational and cultural contexts, where it is used as part of branding, project titles, or scholarly affiliations, reflecting its historical and linguistic resonance.