Declining since 2009, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Dakarai since 1973
Babies named Dakarai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 56 |
| 1980s | 52 |
| 1990s | 235 |
| 2000s | 474 |
| 2010s | 456 |
| 2020s | 220 |
Meaning & origin
Dakarai is an unusual name that first appeared on U.S. records in 1973, with a peak in popularity around 2010. As of 2025, it ranks 3,658 and is given to roughly 1 in 57,000 boys. Its trajectory has been falling since 2009, suggesting it never gained widespread traction. The name is most common in California. Likely a modern invention, Dakarai fits a pattern of distinctive names with African-inspired sounds. Without a clear etymology or historical lineage, it remains a choice driven by personal style rather than tradition.
The name Dakarai appears to be a modern coinage, first recorded in the United States in 1973. It may be a variant of the Shona name Dakarai, which means 'rejoice' in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, but its usage in the U.S. does not consistently align with this origin. More likely, it is a creative formation inspired by similar-sounding names like Kareem or Malik, combined with fashionable prefixes like Da-. Its rise in use during the 2000s reflects broader trends in African American naming practices.
Where Dakarai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Dakarai
Names that share Dakarai's style, for a brother or sister.
