Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kari
GirlNorwegian· “Norwegian form of Katherine”
- Meaning
- Norwegian form of Katherine
- Origin
- Norwegian
- Pronunciation
- KAR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,087
- US babies 2025
- 90
- Best rank
- #127 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1975
Meaning and origin of Kari
Kari is a Norwegian name that is usually said to mean “Norwegian form of Katherine”.
In Norway, Kari is a traditional form of Katherine, and for generations it was so common there that it served almost as a generic name for a Norwegian woman. Katherine itself is of uncertain Greek origin and was long associated with the Greek word for 'pure'. In the United States Kari is also used as a spelling of Carrie, so the name can feel either Scandinavian or all-American depending on the family. It is short, cheerful and practical, and it pairs easily with longer middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Carrie, Kerry, Kerri, Cary, Carey, Carie, Kary, Karry.
Popularity over time
Kari first appears in US Social Security records in 1934. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years, starting in 1953. Its best national rank was #127 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1975, when 2,221 were named Kari. In 2025, 90 babies were named Kari, and it ranked #2,087 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,744 in 1950, #158 in 1980, #783 in 2000, #1,803 in 2010, and #2,087 in 2025. Of the 59,696 US girls named Kari since records began, 31% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 17,543 babies. Since 2010, 1,893 more have been named Kari.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tamika, Kristie, Angie, Keri, and Charity.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kari ranked highest in Ohio, Maryland, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #842 | 11 |
| Maryland | #910 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1287 | 7 |
| North Carolina | #1571 | 5 |
| Texas | #1973 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 87% of US babies named Kari over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kari is usually pronounced KAR-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ri”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Carrie, Kerry, Kerri, and Cary.
Middle names for Kari
A few middle names that flow with Kari: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kari
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Lists that include Kari
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kari mean?
Kari is a Norwegian name that is usually said to mean “Norwegian form of Katherine”.
What is the origin of the name Kari?
Kari has Norwegian roots. In Norway, Kari is a traditional form of Katherine, and for generations it was so common there that it served almost as a generic name for a Norwegian woman.
Is Kari a popular name?
Not especially. Kari ranked #2,087 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kari a boy or girl name?
Kari is mainly a girl's name. About 87% of US babies named Kari over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kari?
Kari is usually pronounced KAR-ee. 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