Omari

♂ Boy

Pronounced oh-MAR-ee /oʊˈmɑːr.i/High

Meaning: From Swahili omari, from Arabic Umar or Omar meaning flourishing, long-lived, or prosperous; used extensively in East Africa as a given name and increasingly in the African American communityHigh

In 30 seconds: A melodic Swahili name derived from Arabic Omar meaning flourishing, Omari has a bright, vibrant three-syllable sound and has been rising in African American communities and beyond.

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Origin HighSwahili, Arabic

MeaningFrom Swahili omari, from Arabic Umar or Omar meaning flourishing, long-lived, or prosperous; used extensively in East Africa as a given name and increasingly in the African American community

U.S. rank (2025)#687 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births397 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 13,153

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Omari is the Swahili elaboration of the Arabic name Omar (or Umar), from Arabic umr, meaning life or long life, and the related root meaning flourishing or prosperous. In East African Swahili-speaking communities, Omari has been a common masculine given name. The -i ending is a characteristic Swahili nominal form.

Omari began appearing in African American communities in the United States in the latter 20th century and has been rising since the 2000s. It fits within the broader embrace of African-origin names in the African American community and has attracted attention beyond those communities for its pleasing three-syllable sound and positive meaning. Today Omari charts in the U.S. top 400 boys' names.

Did you know? Actor Omari Hardwick, known for his starring role in the Starz series Power, and basketball player Omari Spellman have helped bring this Swahili name to wider American cultural awareness in the 2010s.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Omari — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

OmarUmar

Nicknames

OmarOma

Famous Bearers

★Omari Hardwick (1974–present)
American actor, star of the Starz series Power.

If you like Omari…

Amari— shares the same three-syllable -ari ending and the same East African/Arabic root family

Kamari— shares the same -ari ending and the same vibrant African-rooted American naming tradition

Jabari— shares the same Swahili cultural origin and the same three-syllable, strong masculine energy

Malachi— shares the same three-syllable biblical/Semitic character and the same rising African American use

Frequently Asked

What does the name Omari mean?

Omari comes from Swahili, derived from Arabic Omar or Umar meaning flourishing, long-lived, or prosperous.

How do you pronounce Omari?

It is said oh-MAR-ee /oʊˈmɑːr.i/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Omari the same as Omar?

Omari is the Swahili elaboration of Omar; they share the same root but Omari has an additional -i suffix characteristic of Swahili naming.

Is Omari a popular name?

Omari has been rising in the United States since the 2000s, particularly in African American communities, and now charts in the top 400 boys' names.