Declining since 2022, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Inari since 1994
Babies named Inari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 27 | 0 |
| 2000s | 145 | 0 |
| 2010s | 156 | 5 |
| 2020s | 231 | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Inari first appeared in U.S. data in 1994, a relatively recent addition to the baby name landscape. Its peak year came in 2023, though the name has been falling in use since 2022. As of 2025, its rank is 4,758, with roughly 1 in 57,402 newborns given the name. The name's top state is California, reflecting its appeal in diverse, culturally aware communities. Inari draws from Japanese mythology, where it names a major Shinto deity associated with rice and prosperity. Its soft, vowel-heavy sound has contributed to its gradual adoption in English-speaking countries.
The name Inari derives from Japanese mythology, particularly the Shinto kami (spirit) of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Inari is often depicted with foxes, considered messengers, and shrines dedicated to this deity are widespread in Japan. As a given name, its use outside Japan has grown since the late 20th century, often chosen for its melodic sound and cultural resonance.
Where Inari is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Inari” around the world
Where Inari lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nari, Ina
Sibling names for Inari
Names that share Inari's style, for a brother or sister.
