What does Zuri mean and where does it come from?
Zuri is a Swahili name that translates to 'beautiful' or 'good', and is frequently used in East African regions, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. The wide usage of Zuri reflects its positive connotations of beauty and goodness, echoing the values held in the Swahili culture. Notable individuals w
Cultural significance
Zuri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Tanzania-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful, good.
Peak popularity
Reached #236 in 2020 — currently #203 in the US.
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Related Reading
Tanzania-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Zuri?
Zuri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zuri Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zuri Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zuri Claire
French influence · crisp
Zuri Jane
Literary · strong
Zuri Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zuri right now?
Declining — down 9 spots — currently #203 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #203 | 1,480 | ▼ down 9 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #194 | 1,520 | ▲ up 14 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #208 | 1,440 | ▲ up 28 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #236 | 1,254 | ▲ up 207 · +76% births |
| 2015 | #443 | 714 | ▲ up 539 · +176% births |
| 2010 | #982 | 259 | ▲ up 1532 · +275% births |
| 2005 | #2514 | 69 | ▲ up 675 · +60% births |
| 2000 | #3189 | 43 | ▼ down 651 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #2538 | 50 | ▲ up 242 · +19% births |
| 1990 | #2780 | 42 | ▲ up 7026 · +600% births |
| 1980 | #9806 | 6 | ▲ up 187 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9993 | 5 | — |
The story of Zuri
Zuri is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. A total of 10,910 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9993 in 1975 to #203 in 2023. Zuri is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.
Names that peaked alongside Zuri in 2020:
Zuri by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 106 | |
| 1980s | 253 | |
| 1990s | 667 | |
| 2000s | 1,439 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,167 | |
| 2020s | 1,278 | |
What are good nicknames for Zuri?
What names sound and feel like Zuri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zuri also consider these
Common questions about the name Zuri
What does the name Zuri mean?
Zuri means "beautiful, good" — a name rooted in Tanzania 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 Zuri?
Zuri is currently ranked #203 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Zuri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Zuri?
Zuri originates from Tanzania tradition. Tanzania 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 Zuri?
Zuri is a two-syllable name pronounced Z UH1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Zuri trending right now?
Zuri is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.