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Amari Unisex

Popularity: #167 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-MAH-ree /əˈmɑːri/

Origin: African; Hebrew

Meaning: African: strength; Hebrew: God has promised

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Amari has roots that can be traced back to various linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the African and Hebrew languages. In Hebrew, the name is often interpreted as meaning "eternal" or "immortal," stemming from the root word "amar," which means "to say" or "to speak." This connection to language and expression adds a layer of depth to the name's significance.

The name has also been associated with the African origin, where it is sometimes interpreted to mean "strength" or "builder," reflecting qualities of resilience and fortitude. The transition of the name into English-speaking contexts likely occurred through cultural exchanges and the influence of African American communities, particularly during the 20th century, as names from diverse backgrounds gained recognition and acceptance in broader society.

Historically, the name Amari does not have prominent figures in Western literature or biblical texts, which makes its historical milestones less defined compared to more traditional names. However, its emergence in the late 20th century can be linked to a growing appreciation for names that reflect cultural heritage and identity.

The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, contributing to its resonance in contemporary naming practices. The use of Amari in literature and popular culture has also helped to solidify its place in modern naming conventions, although specific instances are less documented.

Culturally, Amari carries connotations of strength and resilience, making it a name that resonates with many families seeking to honor their heritage or instill values of endurance in their children. The name's melodic quality and positive meanings have contributed to its appeal, and it is sometimes affectionately shortened to forms like Mari.

Overall, Amari reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, embodying themes of strength and continuity.

Famous people named Amari

Amari Cooper is a professional football player best known for playing with the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders.
Amari Stoudemire is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks.

Fictional characters named Amari

Amari is a fictional character from the book Amari and the Night Brothers. She is a young girl who discovers a magical world while searching for her missing brother.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Amari was first seen in the United States in 1974. Amari has ranked as high as #251 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in Florida, Texas, New York, California, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Amari has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Amari (2024)

State Births Share
TX 239
12%
CA 169
8%
FL 166
8%
NY 118
6%
PA 110
5%
GA 101
5%
NC 94
5%
OH 84
4%
VA 68
3%
MD 67
3%
IL 63
3%
MI 61
3%
TN 55
3%
AL 47
2%
AZ 46
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19746
19755
19806
19816
198510
19867
198812
19897
199014
199118
199221
199322
199443
199544
199685
1997149
1998251
1999230
2000260
2001300
2002505
2003613
2004638
2005666
2006684
2007879
2008951
20091,088
20101,005
20111,056
20121,075
2013955
2014985
20151,366
20161,361
20171,323
20181,322
20191,593
20201,741
20211,920
20222,174
20232,419
20242,158