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Johari

♂ Boy

Pronounced joh-HAH-ree /dʒoʊˈhɑ.ri/High

Meaning: From Swahili johari (via Arabic jawhar), 'jewel, gem, precious stone'; also 'jeweler'Medium

In 30 seconds: A precious jewel of a name: Johari is Swahili (from Arabic) for 'gem, jewel'. Treasured and melodic, beloved in East Africa and the diaspora — used for sons and daughters alike.

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Origin MediumSwahili, Arabic

MeaningFrom Swahili johari (via Arabic jawhar), 'jewel, gem, precious stone'; also 'jeweler'

U.S. rank (2025)#3891 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births28 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 312

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

Johari comes from Swahili johari, via Arabic jawhar, 'jewel, gem, precious stone' (and 'jeweler'). A treasured name along the East African Swahili coast, it carries warmth and value; this page covers its boys' use.

In the U.S. it appears in families honoring East African heritage. Rare, jewel at the root, and melodic.

Did you know? Johari comes from the Arabic 'jawhar', 'jewel' — the same root behind the gemstone-loving names across the Swahili coast, where Arab and African cultures met and mingled.

Overall data confidence 78%

Swahili/Arabic references — Johari/jawhar — etymology

Variations

JawahirJohary

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Johari…

Jelani— a fellow Swahili crossover name

Amani— another Swahili favorite, 'peace'

Jabari— a fellow Arabic choice

Khamari— a similarly popular pick

Bakari— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Johari

By themearabic swahili east-african

By meaningJewel / Gem Rock / Stone

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Johari mean?

Johari is Swahili (from Arabic) for 'jewel, gem, precious stone'.

How do you pronounce Johari?

It's said joh-HAH-ree /dʒoʊˈhɑ.ri/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Johari a boy or girl name?

Johari is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Johari?

Johari is a rare name in the U.S.