Hodari Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ho-DAH-ree /hoʊˈdɑːri/
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: brave; strong
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hodari has its roots in the Swahili language, where it means "brave" or "courageous." Swahili, a Bantu language, developed along the East African coast and has been influenced by Arabic, Portuguese, and English due to trade and colonization. The etymology of Hodari can be traced back to the Bantu linguistic family, which encompasses a variety of languages spoken in sub-Saharan Africa.
The incorporation of Swahili into English-speaking contexts often occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly through literature and cultural exchanges that highlighted African heritage and identity. Historically, the name Hodari may not be linked to specific biblical figures or saints, as it is more commonly associated with African cultural narratives rather than Western religious traditions.
However, the broader cultural significance of names in African societies often reflects virtues such as bravery and strength, which are valued traits in many communities. The use of Hodari in literature and storytelling can be seen as a celebration of these qualities, contributing to its resonance in various cultural contexts.
In terms of cultural resonance, names like Hodari serve as a reminder of the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the African continent. They embody the values and aspirations of the communities from which they originate.
The name may also have variations or diminutives in different regions, reflecting local dialects and customs, although Hodari itself stands out for its strong connotation of courage. Overall, the name encapsulates a sense of identity and pride within the cultural frameworks of East African societies.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Hodari, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Hodari. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hodari was first seen in the United States in 1972.
Hodari has ranked as high as #7419 nationally, which occurred in 1979, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Hodari has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Hodari is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Hodari was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Hodari.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 | 6 |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 |
| 1996 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 5 | 5 |
| 1979 | 14 | 14 |
| 1978 | 7 | 7 |
| 1977 | 8 | 8 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1975 | 5 | 5 |
| 1974 | 7 | 7 |
| 1973 | 13 | 13 |
| 1972 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Hodari (1979)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |