MallowbyNames

Shomari

shoh-MAH-ree · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from a Swahili word meaning 'to go forward' or 'to advance'.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,910
Babies named in 2025
8
Peak popularity
1992
2025 frequency
1 in 213,510 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2022

Rising since 2022, #8,910 for boys today.

Popularity of Shomari since 1973

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

183755198020002020Most births 1992GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s0191
1980s0260
1990s65359
2000s6192
2010s091
2020s036

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.

Sisters: Zuri, Amara, Nia, Imani, Sanaa

Brothers: Kwame, Jabari, Omari, Kofi, Zaire

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

S is for Shomari, our favorite little boy.

S is for Shomari…”

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

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Shomari mean?
The meaning of Shomari is uncertain. It is believed to come from Swahili, possibly meaning 'to go forward' or 'to advance', but this is not definitively established.
How popular is the name Shomari?
Shomari is a rare name in the United States. As of 2025, it ranked 8910th in popularity, with about 1 in 213,510 boys given the name that year. Its highest rank was in 1992.
Is Shomari a boy's name or a girl's name?
Shomari is primarily used as a boy's name, though it could be considered unisex. The Social Security data shows it is given almost exclusively to boys.