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Dakari

♂ Boy

Pronounced dah-KAH-ree /dɑˈkɑː.ri/High

Meaning: From the Shona language of Zimbabwe, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'; used as a given name in Zimbabwe and Shona-speaking communities, and adopted more broadly as an African-heritage name in the United StatesMedium

In 30 seconds: Dakari is a joyful Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning happiness and joy. Used in both African and African American communities, it carries a vibrant, uplifting energy and a deep cultural connection to Southern Africa.

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Origin MediumShona, African

MeaningFrom the Shona language of Zimbabwe, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'; used as a given name in Zimbabwe and Shona-speaking communities, and adopted more broadly as an African-heritage name in the United States

U.S. rank (2025)#837 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births295 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,326

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Dakari comes from the Shona language, spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe and parts of Mozambique and Zambia. In Shona, dakara or dakari means 'to be happy' or 'joy'. The name is used in Zimbabwe as a masculine given name expressing the happiness felt at a child's birth, following the common African tradition of naming children to reflect the emotional or spiritual circumstances of their arrival.

Dakari has been used in African American communities in the United States as part of a broader movement toward names with African roots that express pride in heritage and connection to the African continent. Its three-syllable rhythm, clear meaning, and musical sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and sonically pleasing.

Did you know? Shona is the most widely spoken Bantu language in Zimbabwe, spoken by over 70% of the population. The Shona language has a rich tradition of names connected to emotions, natural phenomena, and spiritual concepts — making Dakari a culturally meaningful choice.

Overall data confidence 80%

Shona language dictionaries — dakara — to be happy, joyU.S. Social Security Administration — Dakari frequency data

Variations

DakareDakarai

Nicknames

DakKari

Famous Bearers

★Dakari Johnson (born 1995)
Dakari Naeem Johnson (born 22 September 1995 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American professional basketball center who played college ball at the University of Kentucky before being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 48th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. In the NBA G League he was named Player of the Month for November 2016 and earned All-NBA G League First Team recognition in 2017. Johnson subsequently won two Australian NBL championships with the Perth Wildcats — in 2019, when he was named Finals MVP, and again in 2023 — making him a two-time Australian national champion.

If you like Dakari…

Zuri— same African-origin name meaning beautiful or good and similar three-syllable rhythm

Amari— shares the African heritage, three-syllable structure, and -ari ending

Jabari— fellow Swahili/African masculine name with brave or fearless meaning

Kamari— same African-rooted three-syllable name with the -ari ending

Explore names like Dakari

By themethree-syllable african joyful cultural shona

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dakari mean?

Dakari means joy or happiness in the Shona language of Zimbabwe.

How do you pronounce Dakari?

It is said dah-KAH-ree, with three syllables.

What culture is Dakari from?

Dakari is from the Shona people of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, and is used in African American communities in the U.S.

Is Dakari a popular name?

Dakari is a relatively uncommon name in the U.S. but is used in African and African American communities.