The nameKari
Kari is a girl's name in America and a boy's name in Norway, Iceland and Finland.
- Unisex name
- Old Norse
Meaning
In Scandinavia Kari comes from the Old Norse Kári, "curly" or "gust of wind". In English it is a form of Carrie, from Caroline.
Origin
Old Norse, or English.
History
In the United States Kari reached 127th for girls in 1976.
Famous people named Kari
- Kari Byron, television host
- Kari Lake, politician
- Kari Jobe, singer
Popularity of the name Kari
Kari in the United States
Kari was most popular in the United States in the 1970s, with 18,918 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Kari. Its rise began around 1956, and it peaked in 1975. Half of all babies named Kari in the United States were born before 1978, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 166 births a year.
Kari in Norway
Kari was most popular in Norway in the 1950s, with 6,956 births over the decade, 33% of all recorded babies named Kari. Half of all babies named Kari in Norway were born before 1958, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 17 births a year.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Kari
Names from the same generation as Kari, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Kari? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Kari with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Kari side by side with the name of your choice.
Kari in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kari mean?
In Scandinavia Kari comes from the Old Norse Kári, "curly" or "gust of wind". In English it is a form of Carrie, from Caroline.
What is the origin of the name Kari?
Old Norse, or English.
Is Kari a girl's or a boy's name?
Kari is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys.
How popular is the name Kari?
In 2024, Kari was the 1840th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 109 births.
What are the variants of the name Kari?
Variants and related names of Kari include Catherine.
What are good sibling names for Kari?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Mildred, Anita, Rita and Martina for a sister, Harold, Alfred, Tariq and Edmond for a brother.
Who are famous people named Kari?
Kari Byron, television host; Kari Lake, politician; Kari Jobe, singer.