Amiri

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-MEER-ee /ɑːˈmiːr.i/High

Meaning: From Arabic amir meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'ruler,' with the possessive suffix -i meaning 'my,' creating 'my prince'; or from Swahili amiri meaning 'ruler,' 'prince,' derived from the same Arabic rootHigh

In 30 seconds: Amiri means 'my prince' or 'princely one' — a name of royal Arabic and Swahili heritage that has been warmly embraced in African American communities for its regal elegance.

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Origin HighArabic, Swahili

MeaningFrom Arabic amir meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'ruler,' with the possessive suffix -i meaning 'my,' creating 'my prince'; or from Swahili amiri meaning 'ruler,' 'prince,' derived from the same Arabic root

U.S. rank (2025)#604 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births472 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,302

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Amiri derives from the Arabic amir ('prince,' 'commander') with the suffix -i meaning 'my,' making the full meaning 'my prince.' The word amir became part of Swahili through centuries of Arab trade along the East African coast. In Islamic tradition, amir referred to military commanders and regional governors.

Amiri gained cultural significance in the United States through Amiri Baraka (1934–2014), the influential Black Arts Movement poet. It has been in use in African American communities since the 1960s–70s and has grown steadily in the 21st century, alongside Amir and other Arabic-rooted names.

Did you know? The great African American poet and playwright LeRoi Jones changed his name to Amiri Baraka in 1967 — adopting Amiri to express the princely, noble identity he saw in Black cultural leadership — helping establish the name's cultural prestige in African American communities.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Amir — Arabic root etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmirEmira (f)Ameer

Nicknames

MirAmi

Famous Bearers

★Amiri Baraka (1934–2014)
Influential African American poet, playwright, and Black Arts Movement leader.

If you like Amiri…

Amir— the base Arabic name of which Amiri adds the possessive suffix

Omari— Swahili-Arabic royal name with the same noble, princely resonance

Kamari— Arabic-rooted African American name with the same rhythmic three-syllable flow

Idris— Arabic-Welsh name with the same regal, cross-cultural nobility

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amiri mean?

Amiri comes from Arabic amir meaning 'prince' or 'commander' with the possessive suffix -i, meaning 'my prince' or 'my ruler.'

How do you pronounce Amiri?

It is said ah-MEER-ee — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Amiri a boy or girl name?

Amiri is used predominantly as a boys' name.

How popular is Amiri?

Amiri has been growing in U.S. birth records and ranks in the top 500 boys' names, popular particularly in African American communities.