Declining since 2021, #1,529 for boys today.
Popularity of Khari since 1971
Babies named Khari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 | 285 |
| 1980s | 37 | 100 |
| 1990s | 131 | 958 |
| 2000s | 170 | 576 |
| 2010s | 838 | 1,248 |
| 2020s | 768 | 1,599 |
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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: K, Khari-Bari
Sibling names for Khari
Names that share Khari's style, for a brother or sister.

