Karis

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAIR-iss /ˈkɛər.ɪs/Medium

Meaning: From Greek charis, 'grace; kindness; favor' — the word behind charity and the Graces of myth. Used here for a boy, though in U.S. use it is more often a girl's name, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: A grace note of a name: Karis comes from Greek charis, 'grace' (said 'KAIR-iss'). More often a girl's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom Greek charis, 'grace; kindness; favor' — the word behind charity and the Graces of myth. Used here for a boy, though in U.S. use it is more often a girl's name, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13209 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 104

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Karis comes from Greek charis, 'grace; kindness; favor' — the root of charisma and charity, and the name of the Charites, the Graces of Greek myth. As a modern given name it arrived mostly through Christian usage of 'grace'. Used here for a boy, it leans girl in the U.S., which we note (said 'KAIR-iss').

For boys it appears only rarely in the U.S., against heavier girls' use. Rare, gentle, and meaningful.

Did you know? The Greek word charis behind Karis gave us both 'charisma' and 'charity' — grace given freely. It lands more often on girls in U.S. use, which we note (said 'KAIR-iss').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Karis — Greek charis, 'grace'; girl-leaning in U.S. use

Variations

CharisCarysKarys

Nicknames

KariKar

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Karis…

Carys— a like Welsh cousin in sound

Charis— the Greek grace-word spelling

Karissa— a like longer form of the same root

Kai— a like short K-start pick

Explore names like Karis

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Karis mean?

Karis comes from Greek charis, meaning 'grace; kindness; favor'.

How do you pronounce Karis?

It's said KAIR-iss /ˈkɛər.ɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Karis a boy or girl name?

Karis is used here as a boy's name, though in the U.S. it is more often a girl's name — we note the lean.

How popular is Karis?

Karis is rare for boys in the U.S. and more common for girls.