Rising since 1985, #612 for boys today.
Popularity of Jakari since 1979
Babies named Jakari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 9 |
| 1980s | 0 | 50 |
| 1990s | 39 | 344 |
| 2000s | 84 | 1,141 |
| 2010s | 104 | 1,552 |
| 2020s | 73 | 2,216 |
Meaning & origin
Jakari is a modern American name that first entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1979. As of 2025, it ranked 612th, with approximately 1 in 3,697 boys receiving the name. It is most popular in the Southern states, particularly Mississippi, South Carolina, and Arkansas. The name has been on a steady upward trajectory since the mid-1980s, reflecting a broader trend of creative, phonetic names that blend familiar sounds into new formations. While its exact etymology is uncertain, the name's rise in usage points to its appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet approachable name for their sons.
Jakari is a modern American coinage that emerged in the late 20th century. It likely follows the trend of creating distinctive names by combining a popular prefix like Ja- (found in Jamal, Jaylen, etc.) with a suffix -kari, perhaps influenced by the Swahili word 'kari' meaning 'precious' or by names like Makari. Its usage has steadily increased since the 1980s, particularly in the southern United States.
Where Jakari 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jak, Jake, Kari
Sibling names for Jakari
Names that share Jakari's style, for a brother or sister.
