"pure"
Origin: Greek via Norse
Language: Norwegian
Kari
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]
Does Kari flow with your last name?
A breezy Scandinavian classic meaning pure
Norwegian
Swedish
Finnish
American
Classic
Gentle
Vintage
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"wind, gust"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
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The Story of Kari
Kari is a Scandinavian feminine name with multiple possible roots. In Norse tradition, it may derive from the word for 'wind' or 'gust,' while in some interpretations it is a short form of Katarina, meaning 'pure.' The name has been popular throughout Norway, Sweden, and Finland for generations.
Kari was widely used in the United States during the 1950s-1970s as part of broader interest in short, clean Scandinavian names. Its popularity has since settled, retaining a retro charm.
In Scandinavia, Kari is a traditional feminine given name with deep roots. In Norway especially, it has been one of the most common women's names for much of the 20th century.
Historical Record
Kari first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 59,425 babies have been named Kari in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kari is past its peak , currently ranked #1,842 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kari is one of the most common women's names in Norway
- The name may derive from Old Norse meaning curly or curved
Kari in Other Languages
English
Carrie
Finnish
Kari
Swedish
Kari
Norwegian
Kari
Popularity Over Time
#1,842
Current Rank
Peaked 1976
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kari
K
Kari Wahlgren
Actor
1977
American voice actress known for numerous animated series and video games
K
Kari Byron
Entertainer
1974
American television host and artist, co-host of MythBusters
K
Kari Kamiya Fictional
Other
Character in the Digimon anime series, bearer of the Crest of Light
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,842
- Total SSA Count
- 109
- Cultural Origins
- Norwegian Swedish Finnish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kare
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kari
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kari is also used as a boy name, ranked #2838.
View Kari as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Norwegian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kari
What does the name Kari mean?
"pure" (from Greek via Norse). "wind, gust" (from Old Norse). Kari is a Scandinavian feminine name with multiple possible roots. In Norse tradition, it may derive from the word for 'wind' or 'gust,' while in some interpretations it is a short form of Katarina, meaning 'pure.' The name has been popular throughout Norway, Sweden, and Finland for generations.
What is the origin of the name Kari?
Kari has Greek via Norse, Old Norse, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and American origins. In Greek via Norse, it means "pure". In Old Norse, it means "wind, gust".
Is Kari a boy or girl name?
Kari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1842. As a boy name, it is ranked #2838. Kari is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kari?
Kari is pronounced k-EHR-ee.
How popular is the name Kari?
Kari is currently ranked #1842 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kari?
Common nicknames for Kari include Kare.
What are good middle names for Kari?
Popular middle name pairings include Kari Ann, Kari Lynn, Kari Marie, Kari Grace, Kari Elizabeth, and Kari Jean.
What are good sibling names for Kari?
Names that pair well with Kari as siblings include Erik, Lars, Astrid, Ingrid, Bjorn, and Liv.
How many syllables does Kari have?
Kari has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kari a common or rare name?
Kari is an uncommon name, ranked #1842 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Kari?
About the Name Kari
Kari is a girl name with Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and American origins . The name means "pure" in Greek via Norse .
Is Kari a boy or girl name? Kari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,842 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,838. Kari is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kari is currently ranked #1,842 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kari has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kari include Kare. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kari include Karla, Karsyn, Karina, Kara, Karter . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis