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Jamari Unisex

Popularity: #486 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: jah-MAR-ee /dʒəˈmɑːri/

Origin: African; American

Meaning: African: 'handsome'; American: 'gift from God'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jamari is believed to have roots in the African American community, emerging in the late 20th century. It is often considered a modern invention, possibly derived from a combination of names such as Jamal, which has Arabic origins meaning 'beauty,' and the suffix '-ari,' which may be influenced by names like Amari.

The exact etymology is somewhat ambiguous, as it does not have a clear lineage through historical languages like Hebrew, Greek, or Latin, but it reflects a trend in contemporary naming practices that blend cultural influences and phonetic appeal. Historically, the name Jamari does not have significant milestones in ancient texts or notable figures, as it is a relatively recent addition to the lexicon of names.

However, it can be associated with the broader cultural movements of the late 20th century, particularly within African American communities, where unique and creative names gained prominence. This period saw a rise in names that reflect individuality and cultural identity, often inspired by a blend of traditional and modern influences.

Culturally, Jamari resonates with themes of strength and uniqueness, embodying a sense of pride in heritage and personal identity. The name's phonetic structure, with its rhythmic quality, contributes to its appeal in various contexts, including literature and music.

While there are no widely recognized diminutive forms, the name's versatility allows for affectionate variations to emerge organically within families and communities. Overall, Jamari represents a contemporary expression of identity, reflecting the dynamic nature of naming practices in modern society.

Famous people named Jamari

Jamari Smith is a basketball player best known for playing with the Alabama Crimson Tide and the NBA G League.
Jamari Lattimore is a professional football player best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jamari was first seen in the United States in 1979. Jamari has ranked as high as #721 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Jamari has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jamari (2024)

State Births Share
FL 59
12%
TX 45
9%
GA 39
8%
AL 33
7%
NC 25
5%
NY 25
5%
TN 24
5%
IL 24
5%
MS 22
5%
CA 21
4%
LA 20
4%
OH 19
4%
PA 17
4%
VA 15
3%
MD 14
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19798
19806
19815
198210
198312
19848
198514
198611
198716
198820
198922
199038
199140
199252
199357
199489
1995110
1996120
1997140
1998180
1999177
2000230
2001315
2002388
2003519
2004614
2005631
2006616
2007695
2008774
2009732
2010741
2011615
2012677
2013495
2014483
2015523
2016483
2017486
2018489
2019495
2020473
2021485
2022585
2023516
2024528