Kari Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kari originates from Old Norse, specifically the name 'Kári', meaning 'curly' or 'windy'. The name has evolved through languages such as Scandinavian and Modern English. It is characterized by its modern appeal and friendly connotation. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name.
The name Kari is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kari has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kari' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3892nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2667th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4069th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8289th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4186th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4250th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 475th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 177th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 214th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1167th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1724th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kari' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kari"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːri/
Origin
Scandinavian
Etymology
Kari is derived from the Old Norse name 'Kári', which is thought to come from the word 'kárr' meaning 'curly' or 'windy'.
Meaning
curly, windy
Language Evolution
Old Norse: Kári, Scandinavian: Kari, Modern English: Kari
Historical Usage
Kari gained popularity in Scandinavian countries and has since spread to other cultures, especially as a feminine name in English-speaking regions since the late 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Kary, Carrie, Kara
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kari is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with a vibrant and friendly personality.
Famous People
Kari Byron, an American television host known for her work on 'MythBusters'., Kari Jobe, a contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter.
Explore More Kari Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kari"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kari"
"Kari" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3892nd of 7552 | 76 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2667th of 10718 | 219 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4069th of 16616 | 197 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8289th of 24088 | 121 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4186th of 23106 | 295 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4250th of 9204 | 81 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 475th of 12526 | 7,106 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 177th of 19264 | 26,727 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 214th of 27321 | 21,050 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1167th of 35406 | 3,156 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1724th of 30306 | 1,487 |
Regional Popularity of "Kari" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
75.30% 3000th/3984 |
- |
57.11% 3896th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Kari" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
15.09% 336th/2227 |
33.99% 826th/2430 |
30.32% 865th/2853 |
11.14% 309th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.12% 121st/2937 |
9.22% 321st/3483 |
9.18% 323rd/3518 |
3.31% 134th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.55% 131st/3685 |
7.15% 320th/4475 |
4.93% 256th/5194 |
4.20% 265th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
17.68% 810th/4582 |
28.20% 1456th/5164 |
17.71% 1295th/7313 |
19.54% 1458th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.51% 1295th/3984 |
42.37% 1901st/4487 |
24.74% 1688th/6822 |
39.39% 2472nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kari"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kari" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.