Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Charis
GirlGreek· “grace”
- Meaning
- grace
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KEH-rihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,137
- US babies 2025
- 51
- Best rank
- #1,664 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Charis
Charis is a Greek name that means “grace”.
Grace or kindness is the meaning of the Greek Charis, from the same root as charisma. In Greek mythology, Charis is one of the Graces, goddesses of beauty, charm and creativity, and in Homer's Iliad she is named as the wife of Hephaestus. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the seventeenth century, often with a Christian sense of divine grace. Charis has a soft, elegant sound and a meaningful heritage.
Popularity over time
Charis first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,664 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 127 babies. In 2025, 51 babies were named Charis, and it ranked #3,137 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,008 in 1950, #1,724 in 1980, #1,972 in 2000, #1,773 in 2010, and #3,137 in 2025. Of the 4,347 US girls named Charis since records began, 22% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 895 babies. Since 2010, 1,244 more have been named Charis.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shriya, Rania, Kaylei, Danya, and Anessa.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Charis ranked highest in Texas and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2692 | 7 |
| California | #3200 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Charis over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Charis is usually pronounced KEH-rihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Charis
A few middle names that flow with Charis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Charis
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Lists that include Charis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Charis mean?
Charis is a Greek name that means “grace”.
What is the origin of the name Charis?
Charis has Greek roots. Grace or kindness is the meaning of the Greek Charis, from the same root as charisma.
Is Charis a popular name?
Not especially. Charis ranked #3,137 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Charis a boy or girl name?
Charis is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Charis over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Charis?
Charis is usually pronounced KEH-rihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings