Kari sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Cary, Carey, and Ari are the closest matches by sound. Most share Kari's Scandinavian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"free man"
"sad, sorrowful"
"elm grove, place of elms"
"visitor, pilgrim"
"slender, powerful in battle"
"bear-like strength (if related to arth)"
"wealthy guardian"
"invented by Sir Walter Scott, based on Old English Cerdic"
"peaceful pledge"
"variant of Nile (great river)"
"divine discernment"
"from the market town"
"resolute fortress, determined will"
"increase, wisteria"
"powerful ruler's son"
"God is worthy (via Jah prefix)"
"creative modern name"
"little warrior, of Mars"
"to conquer"
"fair, white"
"victory, honor"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Kari — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old Norse/Germanic (from Karl) origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Kari.
Rhythm: Kari is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.