MallowbyNames

Zari

ZAH-ree · Zari is of uncertain origin; it may be a variant of Zahra (meaning 'blooming' in Arabic) or a modern coinage.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,583
Babies named in 2025
67
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 23,989 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022, #2,583 for girls today.

Popularity of Zari since 1990

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

40791191990200020102020Most births 2022Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s199
2000s262
2010s504
2020s524

Meaning & origin

Zari entered U.S. baby name records in 1990, gradually climbing in usage before reaching its peak rank in 2022. As of 2025, it sits at rank 2,583, with about 1 in 23,989 newborns receiving the name, reflecting a declining trajectory since 2022. The name shows regional popularity in states such as Georgia, Florida, and California. Its origins are debated, possibly derived from Arabic Zahra ('blooming') or Persian zari ('gold embroidery'), while its contemporary appeal aligns with short, vowel-ending names. The absence of a single definitive etymology adds to its modern, distinctive feel.

Zari is likely a variant or diminutive of Zahra, an Arabic name meaning 'blooming' or 'radiant', or it may derive from Persian gold embroidery ('zari'). Its modern usage in the United States reflects a trend toward short, melodic names ending in 'i'. The name has seen modest use since the 1990s.

Where Zari is most popular

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

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Z, Zaza

Variants: Zahra, Zaria, Zahara

Sibling names for Zari

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

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

Z is for Zari, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Zari…”

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

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Zari mean?
Zari is of uncertain origin; it is often considered a variant of Zahra, an Arabic name meaning 'blooming' or 'radiant', or may relate to Persian gold embroidery.
How popular is the name Zari?
In 2025, Zari ranked 2,583 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 23,989 newborns named Zari. Its peak popularity was in 2022.
Is Zari a boy or girl name?
Zari is most commonly used as a girl's name, though it can be unisex.