The name Kari is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from the Old Norse language. It is derived from the word "karl," which means "a free man" or "a man." The name was commonly used in ancient Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

In Old Norse mythology, Kari was one of the names given to the god Odin, the ruler of the gods in Norse mythology. This association with a powerful deity likely contributed to the popularity of the name among the Vikings and other Norse peoples.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kari dates back to the 9th century AD, when it appeared in various runic inscriptions and historical records from Scandinavia. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Kari was Kari Solmundarson, an Icelandic chieftain and lawspeaker who lived in the late 10th century.

Throughout history, the name Kari has been borne by several notable figures, including Kari Nørvide, a Norwegian merchant and whaling captain from the 17th century. Another famous Kari was Kari Tharaldsøn, a Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II, who was executed by the Nazis in 1942.

In literature, the name Kari appears in the Icelandic sagas, such as the Laxdæla saga, where Kari Solmundarson is a prominent character. The name is also found in other Norse literary works, further highlighting its cultural significance in ancient Scandinavia.

Other notable individuals with the name Kari include Kari Tapio, a Finnish singer and songwriter born in 1945, and Kari Voutilainen, a Finnish watchmaker and horologist born in 1962. Additionally, Kari Lehtonen is a Finnish ice hockey goaltender who has played in the NHL since 2003.

While the name Kari is predominantly associated with its Scandinavian roots, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Finland and other Nordic countries, where it is still commonly used as a given name for both males and females.