Zuri

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZOO-ree /ˈzuː.ri/High

Meaning: Beautiful; good; from Swahili zuriHigh

In 30 seconds: A joyful Swahili name meaning 'beautiful' or 'good.' Vibrant and easy to say, Zuri has been rising in the United States on a wave of interest in African names with positive meanings.

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Origin HighSwahili

MeaningBeautiful; good; from Swahili zuri

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,715

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Zuri derives from the Swahili word zuri, meaning 'beautiful' or 'good.' Swahili is a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa. The name has been used in East African communities for generations and began gaining traction in the United States in the 21st century as parents sought names that were short, positive, and internationally rooted.

Zuri entered the U.S. top 1000 girls' names in the 2010s and has risen steadily since. It also gained exposure through the Disney Channel's Jessie franchise. Its Z-initial, two-syllable structure fits the current naming fashion perfectly, while its Swahili roots give it a distinctive cultural resonance.

Did you know? In the Disney Channel series Jessie (2011–2015) and its spin-off Bunk'd, the character Zuri Ross helped introduce the name to a wide American audience.

Variations

ZooeyZurie

Nicknames

ZuZee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zuri…

Aria— short, melodic international name with a strong vowel sound

Zara— similarly short, global, Z-initial name

Mila— bright two-syllable international name on the same rise

Amara— African-origin name meaning 'grace/eternal,' similar positive energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zuri mean?

Zuri is a Swahili word meaning 'beautiful' or 'good,' widely used as a given name in East Africa and increasingly in the U.S.

How do you pronounce Zuri?

Zuri is pronounced ZOO-ree (/ˈzuː.ri/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Zuri a boy or girl name?

Zuri is used predominantly as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is Zuri?

Zuri entered the U.S. top 1000 in the 2010s and has been climbing steadily, now in the top 400 girls' names.