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Home › Baby Names Directory › Dakarai

Dakarai

♂ Boy

Pronounced dah-kah-RY /ˌdɑ.kɑˈraɪ/Medium

Meaning: From Shona (Zimbabwe) — 'happiness, joy, to be happy/rejoice'Medium

In 30 seconds: Pure joy from southern Africa: Dakarai is Shona (Zimbabwe) for 'happiness, rejoicing'. Melodic, uplifting, and warm — a name that wishes a life of gladness.
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Origin MediumShona
MeaningFrom Shona (Zimbabwe) — 'happiness, joy, to be happy/rejoice'
U.S. rank (2025)#3680 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,492

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919732025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dakarai comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, meaning 'happiness, joy, rejoicing'. In Shona tradition, names frequently express a feeling, circumstance, or hope; Dakarai is a name of gladness and celebration.

In the U.S. it appears in families honoring southern African heritage. Rare, joy at the root, and uplifting.

Did you know? In Shona naming, names often carry a whole message or wish — and Dakarai, 'happiness', is a parent's joyful hope spoken over a child at birth.
Overall data confidence 80%
Shona name references — Dakarai — etymology

Variations

DakaraDakarayi

Nicknames

DakKari

Famous Bearers

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If you like Dakarai…

Sekai— a similarly popular pick
Dakari— a fellow Shona choice
Malikai— echoes that soft -ai sound
Alakai— shares the -ai ending
Adonai— shares the -ai ending

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dakarai mean?

Dakarai is Shona (Zimbabwe) for 'happiness, joy, rejoicing'.

How do you pronounce Dakarai?

It's said dah-kah-RY /ˌdɑ.kɑˈraɪ/ — three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Dakarai a boy or girl name?

Dakarai is a boy's name.

How popular is Dakarai?

Dakarai is a rare name in the U.S.

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