Rising since 1986, #185 for boys today.
Popularity of Amari since 1974
Babies named Amari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 11 |
| 1980s | 61 | 48 |
| 1990s | 1,760 | 877 |
| 2000s | 6,628 | 6,584 |
| 2010s | 7,026 | 12,047 |
| 2020s | 5,813 | 12,427 |
Meaning & origin
Amari first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974 and has since become a steadily rising name, particularly popular in states like Delaware, Washington D.C., and Mississippi. In 2023 it reached its peak rank, and by 2025 it ranked 185th, with about 1 in 854 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been climbing since 1986, reflecting broader trends toward names with melodic vowel endings and multicultural appeal. While its exact origins are uncertain, Amari is often linked to Arabic and Swahili roots, and it stands as a modern, versatile choice that has found strong favor in diverse communities across the United States.
Amari is a name of debated origin. It may derive from the Arabic Amari, meaning 'from the moon', or from the Swahili word for 'strength' or 'power'. In the United States, it emerged as a modern coinage in the late 20th century, blending sounds from names like Samir and Kamari. Since 1974, it has risen steadily in popularity, especially among African American families.
Where Amari is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Amari” around the world
Where Amari lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Am, Ari, Mari
Sibling names for Amari
Names that share Amari's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aaliyah, Zara, Maya, Nia, Kira, Aniyah, Ayanna, Kamiyah, Amaria, Erykah, Imari, Jalani, Janai, Janiah, Nariah, Nariyah, Shaniyah, Taraji, Alajah, Amaiyah, Amariya, Amariyah, Asani, Camara, Denasia, Imoni, Jahlani, Jahnae, Janayah, Janylah, Kaniah, Kariyah, Lariyah, Neema, Rmani, Samyia, Sanaii, Shamaya, Shariyah, Tamyah, Tyliyah, Zeniyah, Zyonna, Adayah, Adja, Amaryah, Amyri, Anaysia, Anniya, Ashaki, Ashani, Cimani, Jahlia, Jamaiya, Jamayah, Kamyiah, Khamiyah, Maaliyah, Myliyah, Neriyah, Niambi, Oshun, Sahari, Sameria, Sanaia, Xamira, Yamari, Ymani, Zuriyah, Amouri, Janaiyah, Keymoni, Ahmiracle, Aiyanah, Akeila, Akeylah, Akiah, Amariona, Amariyana, Amarrah, Amarria, Amijah, Armahni, Ashyia, Azhane, Camani, Ceniyah, Chamya, Dajha, Dariyah, Emanii, Emonii, Imanie, Imanni, Jahzaria, Jaleeyah, Jamariya, Kameria, Kasiya, Kenniyah, Nakyah, Nataki, Niamani, Nyjae, Semiyah, Shakinah, Yaniyah, Zamarah, Zaniyla
Brothers: Kai, Miles, Amir, Elijah, Jaylen, Amaree, Jakari, Jalen, Jelani, Kamari, Khyree, Sincere, Zyaire, Adarius, Ahmari, Amarii, Asante, Damoni, Emari, Jahmari, Kemari, Khamari, Mehki, Zamari, Zyion, Akili, Amarius, Camarion, Dacari, Jamarie, Jomari, Kymari, Symir, Tafari, Tyaire, Zamarion, Akhari, Amirion, Anuel, Ayo, Bakari, Jah, Jahki, Jahsai, Jahsir, Jamarii, Kemet, Kmari, Kweli, Ladarion, Maliq, Sekai, Jaymere, Kenyatte, Amareon, Amario, Amiere, Armari, Armarion, Atiba, Dmani, Jabarie, Jahmyr, Jumaane, Kadarrius, Khamarion, Kinte, Mosi, Nyzier, Omaree, Shyhiem, Tajee, Zamauri, Zhyon
Names like Amari
Names whose popularity has moved with Amari's over the last 50 years.
