The name Shari is believed to have originated from the Persian language, where it is derived from the word "شهر" (shahr), meaning "city" or "town." This name has been in use for centuries within Persian-speaking regions, including modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia.

During the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th centuries, the name Shari gained popularity across the Middle East and Central Asia. It was often associated with urban centers and intellectual pursuits, as many scholars, philosophers, and artists bore this name during that time period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shari can be found in the writings of the renowned Persian polymath, Avicenna (980-1037 CE), who mentioned a scholar named Shari al-Balkhi in his works. Al-Balkhi was a renowned mathematician and astronomer from the city of Balkh, in what is now Afghanistan.

In the 12th century, Shari al-Saqati, a Persian calligrapher and poet, gained prominence for his contributions to the art of calligraphy and his poetic works. He was born in Samarkand, which was then part of the Persian cultural sphere.

Another notable historical figure with the name Shari was Shari al-Jurjani (1339-1413 CE), a Persian scholar and lexicographer who authored several influential works on Arabic grammar and lexicography.

During the Safavid Empire in Persia (1501-1736 CE), the name Shari continued to be popular among the intellectual and artistic circles. One prominent figure was Shari Beg Afshar (1648-1707 CE), a Persian poet and calligrapher who served at the court of Shah Abbas II.

In more recent times, Shari Lewis (1933-1998) was an American ventriloquist and children's entertainer who gained fame for her television show "Lamb Chop's Play-Along." She was known for her innovative approach to children's entertainment and her use of puppets to teach valuable lessons.

While the name Shari has Persian roots, it has been adopted and used in various cultures around the world, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. However, its origins can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of the Persian-speaking regions and the intellectual and artistic achievements of those who bore this name throughout history.