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Hari

Boy name · 7 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hari: 7 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2011.

Hari is a name with rich roots in both Sanskrit and Japanese. In its Sanskrit origin, the name means “brown, tawny,” often associated with the colour of the sun or a lion, and is a common name for the Hindu god Vishnu, appearing in sacred texts. The most famous bearer in modern times is the British actor Hari Nef, known for her work in fashion and film, while historically Hari Singh Nalwa was a formidable Sikh commander in the 19th century. In Japanese, Hari can mean “needle” or “glass.” The English variant Harry shares the same sound but a different etymology—from Henry, meaning “home ruler.” A notable place connection is the River Hari (now Hary) in India, though this is relatively obscure. The name has enjoyed modest popularity in Scotland, particularly among families with South Asian heritage.