Holding steady.
Popularity of Bari since 1937
Babies named Bari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 6 | 0 |
| 1940s | 220 | 29 |
| 1950s | 308 | 46 |
| 1960s | 507 | 29 |
| 1970s | 256 | 31 |
| 1980s | 252 | 5 |
| 1990s | 202 | 0 |
| 2000s | 28 | 0 |
| 2010s | 9 | 0 |
| 2020s | 18 | 18 |
Meaning & origin
Bari is a concise and uncommon name that has seen modest use in the United States since the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1937, it reached its peak popularity in 1960, though it has never appeared on the national top 1000 list. The name has maintained a stable but low level of usage over the decades, with no significant resurgence. Its short, two-syllable sound and open vowel ending give it a modern feel, yet its origins remain unclear. It may have emerged as a nickname for Barbara or as a transferred use of an Italian place name. Bari’s rarity appeals to parents seeking a simple, unisex name that stands apart from more common choices.
Bari is a name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a surname or as a short form of names like Barbara. It also shares its spelling with the Italian city of Bari, though a direct connection is unconfirmed. In modern usage, it has served as a given name for both boys and girls in the United States since at least the 1930s, with a peak in the 1960s.
Sibling names for Bari
Names that share Bari's style, for a brother or sister.
