MallowbyNames

Khari

KAHR-ee · Of uncertain origin; possibly from Swahili meaning 'kingly' or 'of royal birth'.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,529
Babies named in 2025
113
Peak popularity
2020
2025 frequency
1 in 15,116 boys
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Declining since 2021

Declining since 2021, #1,529 for boys today.

Popularity of Khari since 1971

Babies named Khari per year in U.S. Social Security records.

127253380198020002020Most births 2020GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s10285
1980s37100
1990s131958
2000s170576
2010s8381,248
2020s7681,599

Meaning & origin

Khari entered U.S. naming records in 1971 and reached its peak rank of 1,529 in 2020, when it was given to about 1 in 15,116 births. Since 2021, its usage has been falling, yet it remains a distinctive choice. The name is most popular in Alabama, Maryland, and Georgia. As a unisex name with African roots, Khari carries a sense of regal bearing, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a modern feel.

The name Khari is likely of Swahili origin, where it is thought to mean 'kingly' or 'royal'. It is also sometimes associated with the Arabic word 'khari' meaning 'good' or 'benevolent'. The name has seen increasing use in the United States since the 1970s, particularly within African American communities.

Where Khari is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: K, Khari-Bari

Variants: Kharii, Khary, Karee

Sibling names for Khari

Names that share Khari's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Khari, our favorite little person.

K is for Khari…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Khari's letter becomes Khari's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Khari's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Khari mean?
Khari is thought to mean 'kingly' or 'royal' in Swahili, though its exact origin is uncertain.
How popular is the name Khari?
As of 2025, Khari ranked 1,529th in popularity in the United States, with roughly 1 in 15,116 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2020.
Is Khari a boy or girl name?
Khari is used for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly given to boys.