MallowbyNames

Jahari

Jaharijah-HAH-ree · Of debated meaning; possibly derived from Swahili 'jahari' meaning 'jewel' or 'precious stone'.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,663
Babies named in 2025
100
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 17,081 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1990

Rising since 1990, #1,663 for boys today.

Popularity of Jahari since 1977

Babies named Jahari per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3367100198020002020Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s05
1980s05
1990s13128
2000s59565
2010s88662
2020s59511

Meaning & origin

Jahari is a masculine name of Swahili origin, meaning 'jewel' or 'precious stone'. It entered U.S. records in 1977 and has been steadily rising in popularity, particularly since the 1990s. As of 2025, it ranks 1,663 nationally, with a 1 in 17,081 birth rate, and has reached its peak rank in that year. The name is most popular in Louisiana, Georgia, and North Carolina, reflecting strong regional appeal. Jahari fits a modern trend of melodic, meaningful names with African roots, often chosen for its positive connotations and distinctive sound.

Jahari is a name of Swahili origin, where 'jahari' means 'jewel' or 'precious stone'. It emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, particularly within African American communities, gaining popularity since the 1990s. The name may also be a variant of the Arabic 'Jahari' or influenced by the prefix 'Ja-' common in modern coinages.

Where Jahari is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jah, Jari, Hari

Variants: Jahari, Jaharie, Jahary

Sibling names for Jahari

Names that share Jahari's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jahari, our favorite little boy.

J is for Jahari…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jahari's letter becomes Jahari's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jahari's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Jahari mean?
Jahari is believed to mean 'jewel' or 'precious stone' in Swahili, though some sources suggest other meanings or coinage as a modern name.
How popular is the name Jahari?
As of 2025, Jahari ranks 1,663 in the U.S., given to about 1 in 17,081 baby boys that year. Its popularity has been rising since the 1990s, reaching its peak rank in 2025.
Is Jahari a boy or girl name?
Jahari is most commonly used for boys, though it has occasionally been used for girls.