Find out how popular the first name Kahari has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kahari by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Kahari is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Kahari being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 110 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Kahari.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby girls were named Kahari in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kahari

The name Kahari is believed to have its origins in the Swahili language, which is spoken by various Bantu peoples in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of neighbouring countries. The name is derived from the Swahili word "Kahara," which means "honour" or "dignity."

Swahili is a Bantu language that originated from other Niger-Congo languages spoken along the East African coast and its hinterland. The earliest recorded use of the name Kahari can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Swahili coastal trading cities and their interactions with Arab and Persian merchants.

In ancient times, the name Kahari was likely bestowed upon individuals who exhibited traits of honour, integrity, and respect within their communities. It was a name that carried significant cultural and social significance, reflecting the values and traditions of the Swahili people.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Kahari can be found in the 17th-century Swahili manuscript "Utendi wa Tambuka," which chronicles the epic journey of a Swahili merchant. In this text, the name is mentioned in connection with a prominent figure of that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kahari. One such figure was Kahari ibn Kahari, a renowned Swahili scholar and poet who lived in the late 16th century on the island of Pate, located off the coast of present-day Kenya. His works were highly influential in shaping the literary traditions of the Swahili culture.

Another notable bearer of the name was Kahari al-Bakri, a 12th-century Swahili explorer and merchant who is credited with establishing trade routes between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. His travels and writings shed light on the commercial and cultural exchanges that took place during that era.

In the 18th century, Kahari ibn Abdallah was a respected Swahili ruler and diplomat from the town of Kilwa, known for his efforts in facilitating peaceful relations between various coastal cities and the interior regions of East Africa.

Moving into the 19th century, Kahari bin Juma was a prominent Swahili trader and philanthropist from Zanzibar, renowned for his generosity and contributions to the local community's welfare.

Lastly, Kahari Mtingwa was a 20th-century Swahili writer and educator from Tanzania, whose works played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Swahili language and cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kahari was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kahari, please contact us.

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