"joy, happiness"
Origin: Shona (Zimbabwean)
Language: Shona
Dakari
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A Zimbabwean name celebrating pure joy
African
African American
American
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Unique
Earthy
Spiritual
Bold
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Meaning & Origin
"source of joy"
Origin: African
Language: English
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The Story of Dakari
Dakari is an African name of Zimbabwean origin, from the Shona language, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'. The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, and their language has a rich naming tradition where names often carry positive blessings or the circumstances of a child's birth. Dakari is a name that celebrates the joy a child brings to their family.
Dakari has been used in African American communities as part of the movement to embrace African naming traditions. The name gained some broader exposure through the Young Bond novels by Charlie Higson, where Dakari was a character. It remains a distinctive choice that celebrates African cultural heritage.
Shona names traditionally convey deep meaning about a child's birth circumstances, family hopes, or divine blessings. Naming a son Dakari — joy — is a declaration of the happiness he brings. The Shona culture of Zimbabwe has produced rich artistic traditions including stone sculpture and mbira (thumb piano) music.
Historical Record
Dakari first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 4,031 babies have been named Dakari in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dakari is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #795 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dakari means 'joy' in Shona, the language of Zimbabwe's largest ethnic group
- The Shona are known for their extraordinary stone sculpture tradition, recognized by UNESCO
- Dakari appears as a character in the Young Bond novel series by Charlie Higson
Dakari in Other Languages
Shona
Dakari
English
Dakari
Spanish
Dakari
Popularity Over Time
#795
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dakari
D
Dakari Johnson
Athlete
1994
American professional basketball player who played college ball at Kentucky under John Calipari
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Compare Dakari with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #795
- Total SSA Count
- 316
- Cultural Origins
- African African American American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dak
Kari
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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Classic pairing, 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, 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dakari
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dakari is also used as a girl name, ranked #27366.
View Dakari as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dakari
What does the name Dakari mean?
"joy, happiness" (from Shona (Zimbabwean)). "source of joy" (from African). Dakari is an African name of Zimbabwean origin, from the Shona language, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'. The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, and their language has a rich naming tradition where names often carry positive blessings or the circumstances of a child's birth. Dakari is a name that celebrates the joy a child brings to their family.
What is the origin of the name Dakari?
Dakari has Shona (Zimbabwean), African, African American, and American origins. In Shona (Zimbabwean), it means "joy, happiness". In African, it means "source of joy".
Is Dakari a boy or girl name?
Dakari is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #795. As a girl name, it is ranked #27366. Dakari is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Dakari?
Dakari is currently ranked #795 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dakari?
Common nicknames for Dakari include Dak and Kari.
What are good middle names for Dakari?
Popular middle name pairings include Dakari James, Dakari Emmanuel, Dakari Joseph, Dakari Michael, Dakari Antoine, and Dakari Elias.
What are good sibling names for Dakari?
Names that pair well with Dakari as siblings include Amara, Zuri, Kwame, Kofi, Nadia, and Amari.
How many syllables does Dakari have?
Dakari has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Dakari a common or rare name?
Dakari is moderately common, ranked #795 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Dakari?
About the Name Dakari
Dakari is a boy name with African, African American, and American origins . The name means "joy, happiness" in Shona (Zimbabwean) .
Is Dakari a boy or girl name? Dakari is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #795 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #27,366. Dakari is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dakari is currently ranked #795 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dakari has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Dakari include Dak and Kari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dakari include Dakarai, Dakai . 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