Rising since 2022, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Shomari since 1973
Babies named Shomari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 191 |
| 1980s | 0 | 260 |
| 1990s | 65 | 359 |
| 2000s | 6 | 192 |
| 2010s | 0 | 91 |
| 2020s | 0 | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Shomari is a rare and distinctive name of Swahili origin, first recorded in the United States in 1973. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with the idea of progress or moving forward. The name saw its peak popularity in 1992, when it ranked highest on the Social Security list. Since 2022, its usage has been rising again, though it remains quite uncommon. As of 2025, approximately 1 in 213,510 boys receive the name. Without a clear top state concentration, Shomari's appeal appears dispersed across the country, reflecting its niche but growing presence.
Shomari is a name of Swahili origin, though its exact meaning is debated. It may be related to the Swahili verb 'kushomari' meaning 'to go forward' or 'to advance', or could be a variant of 'Shomari' as a surname in some East African communities. The name has been used in the United States since at least 1973, with modest popularity peaking in 1992. It remains uncommon but has seen a slight resurgence since 2022.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shoma, Mari, Shom
Sibling names for Shomari
Names that share Shomari's style, for a brother or sister.

