What does Omari mean and where does it come from?
The name Omari is derived from the Swahili language and means 'God the highest.' It is also associated with Arabic origins where it implies 'long-lived.' The name has been gaining popularity in the United States, particularly in multicultural communities. Its first recorded use in the U.S. dates bac
Cultural significance
Omari has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god the highest.
Peak popularity
Reached #613 in 2024 — currently #687 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Omari?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Omari?
Omari works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Omari Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Omari John
One syllable · timeless choice
Omari Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Omari Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Omari Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Omari Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Omari right now?
Falling — down 74 spots — currently #687 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #687 | 397 | ▼ down 74 · -15% births |
| 2024 | #613 | 465 | ▼ down 34 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #579 | 496 | ▼ down 44 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #535 | 555 | ▼ down 47 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #488 | 605 | ▲ up 5875 · +3261% births |
| 2020 | #6363 | 18 | ▲ up 1346 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #7709 | 15 | ▲ up 1157 · +15% births |
| 2010 | #8866 | 13 | ▼ down 3193 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #5673 | 22 | ▲ up 3096 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #8769 | 11 | ▲ up 5300 · +120% births |
| 1995 | #14069 | 5 | — |
The story of Omari
Omari is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. A total of 10,975 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14069 in 1995 to #579 in 2023. Omari is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Omari in 2024:
Omari by decade
Omari peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 415 | |
| 1980s | 645 | |
| 1990s | 1,174 | |
| 2000s | 3,378 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,767 | |
| 2020s | 1,470 | |
What are good nicknames for Omari?
What names sound and feel like Omari?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Omari also consider these
Common questions about the name Omari
What does the name Omari mean?
Omari means "God the highest" — a name rooted in Swahili tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Omari?
Omari is currently ranked #579 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Omari?
Omari originates from Swahili tradition. Swahili names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Omari?
Omari is a three-syllable name pronounced AW-MAH-ree. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Omari?
Omari pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.