"from Imari, city of fine porcelain"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Imari
Pronunciation: [ eem-AHR-ee ]
Does Imari flow with your last name?
An elegant name echoing Japanese artistry and present-moment wisdom
Japanese
African
American
Elegant
Unique
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Imari
Imari has multiple origins depending on cultural context. In Japanese, it can mean now is the time or present moment, with ima meaning now and ri a phonetic element. It is also the name of the Japanese city of Imari in Saga Prefecture, famous since the 17th century for its exquisite painted porcelain — Imari ware, exported worldwide through the Dutch East India Company. In African American naming culture, Imari fits alongside Amari and Omari as a name with African resonances.
Imari has been used in the African American community as a name with a melodic quality similar to Amari and Omari. It also appeals to families with Japanese heritage or those drawn to the elegant associations with Imari porcelain. The name is rising as parents seek names that are distinctive yet familiar in sound.
Imari porcelain — with its rich cobalt blue, red, and gold patterns — became one of Japan's most famous exports in the 17th century, collected by European royalty. The name Imari thus carries connotations of exquisite artistry and global cultural exchange. In Japanese culture, the city of Imari remains a center of ceramic arts.
Historical Record
Imari first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 1,061 babies have been named Imari in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Imari is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,001 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Imari porcelain was so prized in 18th-century Europe that Augustus II of Poland traded 600 soldiers to the King of Prussia for 151 Imari vases
- The city of Imari in Japan's Saga Prefecture has been producing porcelain for over 400 years and still exports fine ceramics worldwide
Imari in Other Languages
English
Imari
Swahili
Imari
Japanese
伊万里
Popularity Over Time
#4,001
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Imari
I
Imari Visser
Athlete
1993
Dutch professional volleyball player who competed in international leagues
I
Imari Obadele
Activist
1930
American civil rights activist and co-founder of the Republic of New Afrika movement
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Compare Imari with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,001
- Total SSA Count
- 27
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese African American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ima
Mari
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, 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Imari
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Imari is also used as a girl name, ranked #5615.
View Imari as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imari
What does the name Imari mean?
"from Imari, city of fine porcelain" (from Japanese). Imari has multiple origins depending on cultural context. In Japanese, it can mean now is the time or present moment, with ima meaning now and ri a phonetic element. It is also the name of the Japanese city of Imari in Saga Prefecture, famous since the 17th century for its exquisite painted porcelain — Imari ware, exported worldwide through the Dutch East India Company. In African American naming culture, Imari fits alongside Amari and Omari as a name with African resonances.
What is the origin of the name Imari?
Imari has Japanese, African, and American origins. In Japanese, it means "from Imari, city of fine porcelain".
Is Imari a boy or girl name?
Imari is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4001. As a girl name, it is ranked #5615. 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 #4001 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Imari?
Common nicknames for Imari include Ima and Mari.
What are good middle names for Imari?
Popular middle name pairings include Imari James, Imari Cole, Imari Kai, Imari Reed, and Imari Blue.
What are good sibling names for Imari?
Names that pair well with Imari as siblings include Amari, Omari, Emery, Kira, Zara, and Soren.
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 #4001 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Imari
Imari is a boy name with Japanese, African, and American origins . The name means "from Imari, city of fine porcelain" in Japanese .
Is Imari a boy or girl name? Imari is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,001 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,615. Imari is more commonly used as a boy name.
Imari is currently ranked #4,001 in popularity for boy 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 and Mari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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