"love"
Caris
Pronunciation: [ k-AR-ihs ]
Does Caris flow with your last name?
Welsh love meets Greek grace in one beautiful name
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Caris
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"grace, charm"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Caris
Caris is a variant of the Welsh name Carys, derived from the Welsh word 'caru' meaning to love. It can also connect to the Greek 'charis' meaning grace, charm, or beauty — the same root that gave us charisma and the Three Graces in Greek mythology. This dual heritage gives Caris both Celtic warmth and classical Greek elegance.
Carys (the more common spelling) gained international attention when Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas named their daughter Carys in 2003. The spelling Caris offers a slightly different visual identity while retaining the beloved sound.
In Wales, Carys/Caris is a beloved traditional name reflecting the culture's poetic approach to meaning — naming a child 'love' itself. In Greek tradition, the Charites (Graces) were goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity.
Historical Record
Caris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 1,194 babies have been named Caris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Caris is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,692 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Welsh word 'caru' (to love) is related to the Latin 'carus' (dear, beloved)
- Carys Zeta Douglas, daughter of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, helped popularize the name internationally
- The Three Charites of Greek mythology (Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia) represented splendor, joy, and bloom
Caris in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Caris
Carys Zeta Douglas
Other
2003
Daughter of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, whose name brought Carys/Caris to international attention
Charis (Greek mythology) Fictional
Other
In Greek mythology, one of the Charites (Graces), representing beauty, charm, and grace
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,692
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Greek 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, 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Caris
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Caris
Phonetic neighbors that share Caris's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Caris is also used as a boy name, ranked #44357.
View Caris as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Caris
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Is Caris a boy or girl name?
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What are good middle names for Caris?
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About the Name Caris
Caris is a girl name with Welsh, Greek, and English origins . The name means "love" in Welsh .
Is Caris a boy or girl name? Caris is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,692 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #44,357. Caris is more commonly used as a girl name.
Caris is currently ranked #5,692 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Caris has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AR-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Caris include Cari and Care. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Caris include Carina, Carissa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Baby Name Wizard
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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