The name is most widely recognized as Hebrew for “promised by God,” but its cross-cultural roots in Yoruba, Thai, and even Japanese make it a truly global choice. It is a name that refuses to be boxed in, straddling the line between masculine and feminine with ease.
Verdict: Amari is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the rhythmic appeal of popular vowel-names (like Amara or Omari) but stands out as a distinctly unisex option that feels modern, worldly, and deeply significant.
Amari Overview
- Meaning: The name Amari has multiple meanings. It translates as “promised by God” in Hebrew.
- Gender: Amari is a unisex name, but boys are usually named Amari more than girls.
- Origin: The name Amari has multiple influences but is primarily of Hebrew origin.
- Pronunciation: Amari is pronounced as “ah-MAHR-ee.”
- Popularity: Amari is a popular name in the United States as it is firmly in the top 1,000 list for both genders. In 2021, it was 199th for boys and 333rd for newborn girls.
- Nicknames: Mar, Mari, Ari, Ama, Ammi.
- Variations: Amariah Amaris Damari Jamari Kamari.
- Namesakes: Amari Cooper, Amari Morgan-Smith, Amari Rodgers.
What Does Amari Mean?
Amari is a name rich with definitions, shifting its significance depending on where in the world you find it. The most cited etymology is Hebrew, where Amari translates to “promised by God” or “word of God.” It is likely a shortened form of the biblical name Amariah.
However, the name is a true multicultural gem:
- Yoruba (West Africa): Amari is linked to the word for “strength” or “builder,” and can also be interpreted as “immortal.”
- Thai: It is associated with definitions of “eternity.” For parents looking for Thai inspirations, it offers a beautiful sentiment.
- Latin Roots: While not a direct translation, it shares a phonetic connection to the Latin “Amare,” meaning “to love.” Consequently, many African-Americans embrace the meaning of “loved” for this name.
- Japanese: As a Japanese surname, Amari generally means “surplus,” “remainder,” or “so much,” often denoting abundance.
In English-speaking contexts, parents often combine these sentiments, bestowing the name with the evocative meaning of “miracle of God” or “eternal strength.”
Where Does the Name Amari Come From?
The name Amari acts as a bridge between ancient history and modern trends. Its primary roots are in the Hebrew names Amariah and Amaris. Amariah (meaning “Yahweh has said”) was a prominent name in ancient Israel, used for several priests and officials mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (1).
In the modern era, Amari emerged as a distinct given name in the United States during the 1990s, coinciding with a cultural movement toward Afrocentric names and names that end in soft vowels. While it has Japanese origin as a surname, its use as a first name in the West is largely independent of its Asian roots.
How Popular is the Name Amari?
Amari is a modern success story. It is a “rising star” that was virtually unheard of in the US before the 1990s. It officially entered the public consciousness in 1996 for girls and 1997 for boys. Since then, its trajectory has been upward and steep.
For boys, Amari has skyrocketed from obscurity to become a staple favorite, breaking into the top 200 names recently (2). It appeals to parents who want something distinct from “Omari” or “Amir” but with the same soulful resonance.
For girls, the name has seen a steady climb. While it currently ranks slightly lower for girls than for boys, it remains a consistent favorite, solidifying its status as a true unisex powerhouse in the 21st century.
How Do I Pronounce Amari?
The phonetic pronunciation of Amari is ah-MAHR-ee.
The emphasis is placed on the middle syllable (MAHR). Because the name exists in so many languages, you may hear slight variations, but the vowel sounds generally remain soft and open.
Is Amari a Boy or Girl Name?
Amari is a bona fide unisex name. Unlike names that “cross over” from one gender to the other and stay there (like Ashley or distinctively male names like James), Amari maintains a healthy balance.
However, in the last decade, statistics show a slight preference for the name among boys in the United States. Despite this trend, it remains perfectly neutral and is an excellent choice for parents seeking a gender-fluid name.
Variations of Amari
If you love the sound of Amari but want to honor a specific heritage, consider these variations:
- Amariah (Hebrew) – The ancient, biblical original.
- Amaris (Hebrew) – Often considered the feminine variation, meaning “child of the moon.”
- Damari (Greek/American) – A modern blend often associated with “gentle.”
- Jamari (American/Arabic influence) – A popular modern prefix variation.
- Kamari (Swahili/Arabic) – Often associated with “moon” (Qamar).
Nicknames for Amari
While Amari is a relatively short name, its three syllables offer plenty of room for playful truncation.
- Ari: A punchy, spirited nickname.
- Mari: Soft and sweet, often used for girls.
- Mar: A cool, one-syllable option for a boy.
- Ama: A palindrome nickname that feels maternal and kind.
- Mars: A creative, celestial twist for a bold personality.
- Ri-Ri: A playful, rhythmic option for a baby.
Names Similar to Amari
If Amari isn’t quite right, but you love the vibe, soulful, vowel-led, and modern, consider these alternatives:
- Amir: A regal Arabic name meaning “prince.”
- Ariel: Shares the Hebrew origin and airy sound.
- Imani: A beautiful Swahili name meaning “faith.”
- Omari: The Swahili equivalent often associated with “God the highest.”
- Zion: A biblical place name with a modern, unisex cool factor.
- Finley: Scottish, meaning “fair warrior.”
- Kai: A short, punchy, multicultural favorite.
- River: Nature-inspired and flowing.
- Dakota: A place name that shares the 90s rise to fame.
- Remy: A French unisex name with a similar ending.
Middle Names for Amari
Because Amari ends in a vowel, it pairs beautifully with middle names that start with a consonant or have a “grounded” feel.
Nature-Inspired Middle Names
These names enhance the organic, earthy feel of Amari.
Short & Punchy Middle Names
One-syllable names create a strong rhythmic cadence when paired with the three syllables of Amari.
Soft & Lyrical Middle Names
For a name that sounds like poetry, choose a middle name with liquid consonants.
Sibling Names for Amari
Creating a sib-set for Amari involves finding names that are equally modern and culturally versatile.
For a Brother
- Isaiah: Matches the biblical roots and soft vowel structure.
- Caleb: A strong Hebrew name that feels classic yet fresh.
- Malachi: Shares the ending sound and spiritual weight.
- Evan: Simple, timeless, and gentle.
- Nasir: A strong Arabic name that pairs well stylistically.
For a Sister
- Aaliyah: A melodic match that shares the 90s rise in popularity.
- Evelyn: A vintage name that has become a modern chart-topper.
- Miriam: A biblical classic with great nickname potential.
- Nia: Short, sweet, and culturally significant (purpose).
- Anna: A palindrome name that balances the length of Amari.
Famous People Named Amari
While the name is still relatively young in terms of widespread usage, several notable figures, particularly in athletics, bear the name.
- Amari Cooper: A star NFL wide receiver who brought significant attention to the name.
- Amari Rodgers: Another talented American football player in the NFL.
- Amari Bailey: A rising star in American basketball.
- Amari Morgan-Smith: A well-known English professional footballer.
- Amari Cheatom: An American actor known for his work in theatre and film.
Amari in Pop Culture
Amari is beginning to make its mark in fiction, appearing in fantasy novels and gaming lore which highlights its magical and heroic undertones.
- Amari Peters: The brave protagonist in the supernatural middle-grade hit “Amari and the Night Brothers” by B.B. Alston.
- Princess Amari: A fierce character in the bestselling YA novel “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi.
- Ana Amari: A sharpshooting support hero in the massive video game franchise “Overwatch.”
- “a m a r i”: A popular track by hip-hop artist J. Cole.
FAQs About the Name Amari
Still curious about this rhythmic moniker? Here are answers to common questions parents ask.
Does the Name Amari Appear in the Bible?
No, the exact name “Amari” does not appear in the Bible. However, it is widely accepted as a derivative of Amariah, a name that appears frequently in the Old Testament. Amariah was a High Priest of Israel and an ancestor of Ezra.
What Colors Are Linked to the Name Amari?
Many parents associate the name Amari with deep, rich tones due to its “liquid” sound. The colors violet, indigo, and deep red are often linked to the name, symbolizing creativity, wisdom, and passion.
Is Amari a Classic or Modern Name?
Amari is considered a modern name in the Western world. While its roots (Amariah) are ancient, Amari as a standalone first name only became popular in the United States during the late 1990s and 2000s.
Is Amari a Japanese Name?
Yes, but usually as a surname. In Japan, Amari (written as 甘利) is a family name. One of the kanji translations can mean “advantage” or “benefit.” While it exists in Japan, the usage of Amari as a first name in the US is generally not derived from the Japanese surname.
What Does Amari Mean in Yoruba?
In the Yoruba culture of Nigeria, Amari is often linked to the concept of strength. It is sometimes cited as meaning “one who possesses great strength” or is associated with the idea of a builder, making it a powerful name choice for a child.
