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Amiri

Pronunciation: [ ahm-IHR-ee ]

Girl Name #880 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

A regal Arabic name meaning leader and princess

Arabic African Swahili African American
Elegant Spiritual Bold Royal

Meaning & Origin

"princess, leader"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"commander, noble one"
Origin: Swahili/Arabic
Language: Swahili

The Story of Amiri

Amiri is derived from the Arabic word amir, meaning prince, leader, or commander. The feminine forms Amira and Amiri are used across Arabic-speaking, African, and South Asian communities. In Swahili-speaking East Africa, Amiri carries connotations of nobility and leadership. The name has been embraced in African American communities as a culturally resonant name with regal overtones.

Amiri and its variants have been rising in popularity in the United States and UK since the 2010s, as parents seek names with African and Middle Eastern heritage that sound both distinctive and beautiful. The luxury fashion brand Amiri has also brought the name into contemporary cultural consciousness.

In Arabic and Islamic tradition, the title Amir designates a ruler, prince, or military commander. As a girl's name, Amiri evokes nobility and authority. In East African Swahili culture, the name connects to a tradition of poetic, meaningful names that reflect family aspirations.

Fun Facts

  • The word emir, used for rulers in the Arabian Gulf, comes from the same Arabic root as Amiri
  • Amiri Baraka was a celebrated African American poet who changed his name from LeRoi Jones in 1968, bringing the name into literary prominence

Amiri in Other Languages

Hindi अमीरी
Arabic أميري
French Amiri
Spanish Amiri
Swahili Amiri

Famous People Named Amiri

A

Amiri (fashion brand)

Business

2014

American luxury fashion label founded by Mike Amiri, bringing the name Amiri into contemporary high-fashion culture

A

Amiri Baraka

Writer

1934

Influential African American poet, playwright, and activist who changed his name to Amiri Baraka in 1968

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#880
Total SSA Count
306
Cultural Origins
Arabic African Swahili African American
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Ami Miri

Pairs Well With

Amiri Grace Amiri Joy Amiri Renee Amiri Skye Amiri Faith Amiri Noelle

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Amiri is also used as a boy name, ranked #536.

View Amiri as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Amiri

What does the name Amiri mean?
"princess, leader" (from Arabic). "commander, noble one" (from Swahili/Arabic). Amiri is derived from the Arabic word amir, meaning prince, leader, or commander. The feminine forms Amira and Amiri are used across Arabic-speaking, African, and South Asian communities. In Swahili-speaking East Africa, Amiri carries connotations of nobility and leadership. The name has been embraced in African American communities as a culturally resonant name with regal overtones.
What is the origin of the name Amiri?
Amiri has Arabic, Swahili/Arabic, African, Swahili, and African American origins. In Arabic, it means "princess, leader". In Swahili/Arabic, it means "commander, noble one".
Is Amiri a boy or girl name?
Amiri is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #880. As a boy name, it is ranked #536. Amiri is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Amiri?
Amiri is pronounced ahm-IHR-ee.
How popular is the name Amiri?
Amiri is currently ranked #880 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Amiri?
Common nicknames for Amiri include Ami and Miri.
What are good middle names for Amiri?
Popular middle name pairings include Amiri Grace, Amiri Joy, Amiri Renee, Amiri Skye, Amiri Faith, and Amiri Noelle.
What are good sibling names for Amiri?
Names that pair well with Amiri as siblings include Zuri, Kamari, Asha, Jabari, Amara, and Kofi.
How many syllables does Amiri have?
Amiri has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Amiri a common or rare name?
Amiri is moderately common, ranked #880 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Amiri

Amiri is a girl name with Arabic, African, Swahili, and African American origins . The name means "princess, leader" in Arabic .

Is Amiri a boy or girl name? Amiri is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #880 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #536. Amiri is more commonly used as a boy name.

Amiri is currently ranked #880 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Amiri has 3 syllables and is pronounced ahm-IHR-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Amiri include Ami and Miri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Amiri include Amira, Amirah, Amiracle . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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