"grace, kindness"
Charis
Does Charis flow with your last name?
Ancient Greek grace with modern spiritual resonance
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Charis
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"beauty, charm"
"divine favor"
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Browse nicknames →Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily used as a girl’s name in modern Western culture; may cause gender confusion
The Story of Charis
Charis (also spelled Karis) is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘charis’ (χάρις), meaning grace, kindness, and beauty. In Greek mythology, the Charites (or Graces) were three goddesses — Aglaea (splendor), Euphrosyne (joy), and Thalia (bloom) — who embodied charm and beauty. The word also forms the root of the English word ‘charisma,’ suggesting an innate magnetism and charm.
Charis has been used in Christian communities for centuries, partly because the Greek concept of ‘charis’ is central to the theology of grace (as in divine grace, unmerited favor). In modern times, it remains a distinctive choice — rare enough to feel unique but rooted enough in classical tradition to carry weight.
In Christian theology, ‘charis’ is the New Testament Greek word for grace — the unmerited favor of God. This gives the name deep spiritual resonance for Christian families. In Greek culture, the Charites were attendants of Aphrodite, representing the beauty and joy of life.
Historical Record
Charis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1979.
Over 60 babies have been named Charis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Charis is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,298 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The word ‘charisma’ comes directly from the Greek ‘charis’
- In the New Testament, ‘charis’ appears over 150 times as the Greek word for grace
- Mick Jagger named his daughter Karis (a variant spelling)
Charis in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Charis
Karis Jagger
Artist
1970
Daughter of Mick Jagger and American actress Marsha Hunt, a variant spelling of Charis
Charis Wilson
Artist
1914
American writer and model, longtime companion and muse of photographer Edward Weston
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,298
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Christian English
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English 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
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Charis
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Charis is also used as a girl name, ranked #2890.
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Charis
What does the name Charis mean?
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Is Charis a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Charis
Charis is a boy name with Greek, Christian, and English origins . The name means "grace, kindness" in Greek .
Is Charis a boy or girl name? Charis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,298 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,890. Charis is more commonly used as a girl name.
Charis is currently ranked #6,298 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Charis has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Charis include Chari and Aris. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Charis include Charles, Charlie, Charley, Charleston, Charly . 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