"now go"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Imari
Pronunciation: [ eem-AHR-ee ]
Does Imari flow with your last name?
Japanese artistry meets African-American elegance
Japanese
African-American
Yoruba
contemporary American
Elegant
Unique
Modern
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Imari
Imari is primarily known in the Western world as the name of the famous Japanese porcelain produced in Imari, Saga Prefecture, which was exported to Europe from the 17th century and prized by royalty. As a given name, it has been adopted in African-American communities partly influenced by its melodic sound and resemblance to Imani, the Swahili word for faith. In Japanese, it may relate to the phrase ima ri meaning now go or now come.
Imari emerged as a girls name in African-American communities in the 1980s-90s, appealing due to its exotic sound and similarity to Imani. It represents the broader trend of parents choosing names that feel culturally distinctive and beautiful.
The Imari porcelain connection gives the name an association with art, beauty, and refinement. The blue-and-white and polychrome Imari porcelain was among the most prized ceramics in 17th-18th century Europe.
Historical Record
Imari first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 2,342 babies have been named Imari in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Imari is past its peak , currently ranked #5,615 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Imari porcelain has been collected by European royalty since the 1600s
- The name shares phonetic similarity with Imani, a principle of Kwanzaa
Imari in Other Languages
Yoruba
Imari
English
Imari
Japanese
伊万里
Popularity Over Time
#5,615
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2000
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Imari with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #5,615
- Total SSA Count
- 23
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese African-American Yoruba contemporary American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ima
Mari
Immy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Imari
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Imari is also used as a boy name, ranked #4001.
View Imari as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Imari with...
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Irish/Scottish origin
"honor, light"
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Latin via Old French origin
"intention, reason for being"
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Arabic origin
"exalted, sublime"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imari
What does the name Imari mean?
"now go" (from Japanese). Imari is primarily known in the Western world as the name of the famous Japanese porcelain produced in Imari, Saga Prefecture, which was exported to Europe from the 17th century and prized by royalty. As a given name, it has been adopted in African-American communities partly influenced by its melodic sound and resemblance to Imani, the Swahili word for faith. In Japanese, it may relate to the phrase ima ri meaning now go or now come.
What is the origin of the name Imari?
Imari has Japanese, African-American, Yoruba, and contemporary American origins. In Japanese, it means "now go".
Is Imari a boy or girl name?
Imari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5615. As a boy name, it is ranked #4001. Imari is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Imari?
Imari is pronounced eem-AHR-ee.
How popular is the name Imari?
Imari is currently ranked #5615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Imari?
Common nicknames for Imari include Ima, Mari, and Immy.
What are good middle names for Imari?
Popular middle name pairings include Imari Grace, Imari Rose, Imari Jade, Imari Pearl, and Imari Marie.
What are good sibling names for Imari?
Names that pair well with Imari as siblings include Amara, Omari, Imani, and Zuri.
How many syllables does Imari have?
Imari has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Imari a common or rare name?
Imari is an uncommon name, ranked #5615 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Imari?
Are there other spellings for Imari?
Related spellings include Imara.
About the Name Imari
Imari is a girl name with Japanese, African-American, Yoruba, and contemporary American origins . The name means "now go" in Japanese .
Is Imari a boy or girl name? Imari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,615 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #4,001. Imari is more commonly used as a boy name.
Imari is currently ranked #5,615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Imari has 3 syllables and is pronounced eem-AHR-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Imari include Ima, Mari, and Immy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Imari include Imara . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis