Amiri

♀ Girl

Amiri Pronunciation

Amiri is pronounced uh-MEER-ee /əˈmɪər.i/High

Meaning: Prince or commander; from Arabic amir (leader, prince, ruler)High

In 30 seconds: An Arabic-origin name meaning 'prince' or 'commander,' widely used in East Africa and the African diaspora. Its lyrical three-syllable sound and strong meaning have brought it to U.S. girls' charts.

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Origin HighArabic, Swahili

MeaningPrince or commander; from Arabic amir (leader, prince, ruler)

U.S. rank (2025)#964 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births266 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,620

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 (commander, prince, leader), a title of nobility in Arabic-speaking and Islamic cultures across the Middle East and Africa. In Swahili-speaking East Africa, Amiri is used as a given name, particularly for boys, from the same Arabic root.

In the United States, Amiri appears in girls' data from the 2010s onward, used primarily in African American communities. Its -i ending and three-syllable rhythm align with popular names like Amari and Azari. It ranked #878 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Amiri is also associated with Amiri Baraka (1934–2014), the influential African American poet and playwright who changed his name from LeRoi Jones as an act of cultural reclamation.

Overall data confidence 88%

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

Variations

AmireeAmirie

Nicknames

AmiMiri

Themes & Styles

Arabic Three-syllable Royal Swahili African

Famous Bearers

★Amiri Baraka (1934–2014)
Influential African American poet, playwright, and activist. Born Everett LeRoi Jones, he adopted the name Amiri Baraka in the 1960s.

If you like Amiri…

Amari— Am- name of African/Arabic origin with the same rhythmic feel

Amara— Swahili/Arabic name meaning grace, in the same naming community

Amira— the feminine Arabic form of amir (princess), directly related

Azaria— Arabic/Hebrew name sharing the same community and three-syllable feel

Imani— Swahili name meaning faith, popular in the same community

→ See all names like Amiri

Browse the whole category: All Arabic names → · All Swahili names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Amiri?

Amiri is pronounced uh-MEER-ee (/əˈmɪər.i/). Press play above to hear Amiri said aloud.

How do you say Amiri?

Amiri is said uh-MEER-ee (/əˈmɪər.i/). Press play above to hear Amiri said aloud.

What does the name Amiri mean?

Amiri means 'prince' or 'commander,' from Arabic amir (leader, ruler), widely used as a given name in East Africa and the African diaspora.

Is Amiri a boy or girl name?

Amiri is used for both sexes; it appears in girls' data in recent U.S. charts.

How popular is Amiri?

Amiri ranked #878 for U.S. girls in 2024.