Rising since 1991, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Hari since 1968
Babies named Hari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 43 |
| 1980s | 90 |
| 1990s | 101 |
| 2000s | 238 |
| 2010s | 240 |
| 2020s | 154 |
Meaning & origin
Hari has a long history in Sanskrit and Hindu tradition, but its U.S. journey began modestly. First recorded in 1968, the name remained rare for decades before beginning a steady rise from the 1990s onward. Its 2024 peak and consistent upward trajectory since 1991 suggest growing appreciation for this concise, spiritually resonant name. New York, where South Asian communities are concentrated, accounts for the highest usage, while the name's simple two-syllable structure makes it accessible across cultures. With a current one-in-74,264 frequency, Hari remains distinctive yet familiar.
Hari is a name of Sanskrit origin, where it appears in ancient texts as an epithet for the god Vishnu, meaning 'the remover (of sins)' or 'the tawny one'. It has been used as a given name in India for centuries, particularly among Hindu families. The name entered the U.S. baby name data in 1968, reflecting immigration and cultural exchange.
Where Hari is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hari” around the world
Where Hari lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Hary
Sibling names for Hari
Names that share Hari's style, for a brother or sister.
