Amari

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-MAR-ee /əˈmɑːr.i/High

Meaning: Strength; eternal — from African (Yoruba and other West African) origins; possibly also related to Hebrew <em>Amari</em> meaning 'promised by God'Medium

In 30 seconds: A multicultural name with African (particularly Yoruba) and possibly Hebrew roots, Amari suggests strength and eternity. Embraced widely in African-American communities, it has become a top-200 boys' name with a smooth, lyrical sound.

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Origin MediumAfrican, Hebrew

MeaningStrength; eternal — from African (Yoruba and other West African) origins; possibly also related to Hebrew <em>Amari</em> meaning 'promised by God'

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 16,612

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Amari has roots in multiple traditions. In West African languages (including Yoruba and Amharic), related forms carry meanings of strength or eternal existence. In Hebrew, Amari or Amariah means 'God has promised' or 'promised by Yahweh.' The name's widespread use in African-American communities reflects a cultural reclamation of African-origin names.

Amari began appearing on U.S. charts in meaningful numbers in the 1990s and has risen steadily. It entered the top 200 boys' names by the 2010s. It is used for both boys and girls, making it one of the more genuinely gender-neutral names in current American naming.

Did you know? Amari is also a popular girls' name in the U.S. — it is one of the relatively rare truly gender-neutral names where usage for boys and girls is comparable, though it leans slightly male in current U.S. data.

Variations

AmareeAmaraAmare

Nicknames

AriMar

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Amari…

Amir— Arabic-origin name with the same elegant three-syllable flow

Malachi— Hebrew prophet name with the same multicultural, lyrical feel

Zion— spiritual vocabulary name equally popular in African-American communities

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amari mean?

Amari likely means 'strength' or 'eternal' from West African languages, and may also relate to Hebrew meanings of 'promised by God.'

How do you pronounce Amari?

Amari is pronounced ah-MAR-ee /əˈmɑːr.i/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Amari a boy or girl name?

Amari is used for both boys and girls, though in recent U.S. data it leans slightly toward boys.

How popular is Amari?

Amari has been in the U.S. top 200 boys' names since the 2010s, with growing popularity in African-American and multicultural communities.