Chari

“Free man”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#10434US 2020

9Births / yr

↑Rising

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 194100

What does Chari mean and where does it come from?

Chari is a modern, feminine form often derived from names like Charisse or Charlotte. It is a relatively recent name in the U.S., becoming more popular in the 20th century. Its root name Charlotte is of French origin, meaning 'free man' from the male name Charles. Variants of this name can be found

Cultural significance

Chari has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.

Peak popularity

Reached #1782 in 1960 — currently #10434 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Chari?

Chari works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Chari Grace

How popular is Chari right now?

Rising fast — up 5030 spots — currently #10434 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2020#10434 · Top 7.7%

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#10287	9	▲ up 5030 · +80% births
2000	#15317	5	▼ down 5613 · -37% births
1995	#9704	8	▼ down 4336 · -53% births
1990	#5368	17	▼ down 2403 · -45% births
1985	#2965	31	▲ up 935 · +55% births
1980	#3900	20	▼ down 977 · -20% births
1975	#2923	25	▼ down 635 · -26% births
1970	#2288	34	▼ down 410 · -11% births
1965	#1878	38	▼ down 96 · -7% births
1960	#1782	41	▲ up 154 · +32% births
1955	#1936	31	▲ up 702 · +94% births
1950	#2638	16	▲ up 725 · +78% births
1945	#3363	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Chari

Best Year1960Rank #1782

Peak Count41

Average Rank#4950

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1945 - 202013 years

The story of Chari

Chari entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. With 1,202 total births recorded, Chari remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3363 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10287 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Chari in 1960:

Mary Susan Linda Karen Donna

Chari by decade

Chari peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	75
1950s	224
1960s ★	315
1970s	240
1980s	216
1990s	78
2000s	21
2010s	24
2020s	9

💎With 1,202 total births, Chari is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Chari?

Common

ChaCharCharieChary

What names sound and feel like Chari?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Chari also consider these

English · A beloved name

Zmari

American · Romani

Khari

African · Kingly or regal

Kmari

American · A beloved name

Zhari

Kazakhstan · a flower

Common questions about the name Chari

What does the name Chari mean?

Chari means "Free man" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Chari?

Chari is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Chari have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Chari?

Chari originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Chari trending right now?

Chari is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Chari a common or rare name?

Chari is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.