Kharis
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 276 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Kharis reads as a modern invention — a name that emerged in the 1990s and was likely coined by parents looking for something fresh rather than inherited.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
In the most recent SSA release, Kharis ranks #8684 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Kharis is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, from charis meaning 'grace,' 'kindness,' or 'beauty.' In Greek mythology, the Charites (or Graces) were goddesses of charm and beauty. The KH- spelling gives the ancient name a modern visual edge.
EtymologyShow more
Kharis appeared in SSA records in 1992, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Greek roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 276 recorded births, Kharis has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kharis climbed 8821 spots in the last 20 years — from #17505 to #8684.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 64 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 128 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 64 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 20 | — |
The Story of Kharis
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2019, Kharis is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Kharis are most likely born between 2009 and 2024.
How rare is Kharis?
Only about 1 in every 300,000 babies born in 2024 was named Kharis — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1992, peaked in the 2010s with 128 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Kharis by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(28 years, 1992–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | #8684 |
| 2023 | 16 | #7092 |
| 2022 | 14 | #7848 |
| 2021 | 10 | #9949 |
| 2020 | 12 | #8683 |
| 2019 | 21 | #5895 |
| 2018 | 12 | #8905 |
| 2017 | 9 | #11167 |
| 2016 | 14 | #8204 |
| 2015 | 11 | #9821 |
| 2014 | 16 | #7489 |
| 2013 | 12 | #9332 |
| 2012 | 12 | #9420 |
| 2011 | 10 | #10812 |
| 2010 | 11 | #10140 |
| 2009 | 8 | #13094 |
| 2008 | 5 | #19083 |
| 2007 | 6 | #16585 |
| 2006 | 12 | #9619 |
| 2004 | 5 | #17505 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Kharis as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Kharis has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kharis a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kharis most popular?
How popular is the name Kharis?
Can Kharis be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1992–2024