Karis

Meaning of Karis

Rooted in the Greek noun charis and filtered through the Latin ideals of gratia and caritas, Karis means “grace” in the sense of kindness freely bestowed. The K-spelling, first noted in English records in the mid-20th century, lends a modern edge while preserving its classical heartbeat. Charis appears repeatedly in the Pauline Epistles, giving the name a subtle biblical undertone; linguists also hear a faint echo of the Welsh Carys, “love,” so Karis gathers two benevolent meanings in one syllabic sweep. In the United States the name has maintained a quiet yet durable profile, peaking at No. 638 in 2012 and resting around No. 863 with 87 newborns in 2024—recognizable but far from ubiquitous. Pronounced KAIR-is, its crisp consonants and open vowel create a clean, melodic cadence that crosses linguistic borders with ease, appealing to parents who favor a succinct, virtue-laden choice over flashier trends.