"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
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Imari
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Imari
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Imari
See all →What the Imari report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Imari the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Imari
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Imari head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Imari actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
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.
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Miangel
Girl
"messenger of God"
#5,456
Ebony
Girl
"black, dark hardwood"
#5,579
Tomi
Girl
"twin"
#5,756
Zyrah
Girl
"princess, noblewoman"
#5,666
Ciani
Girl
"God is gracious"
#5,695
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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
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
Premium
Check how Imari fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Imari is also used as a boy name, ranked #4001.
View Imari as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Imari →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Imari with...
Same Origin Names (Japanese)
See all Japanese names →Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Imari and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Imari sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Miangel
Girl
Greek angelos origin
"messenger of God"
#5,456 in US
Ebony
Girl
Egyptian via Greek origin
"black, dark hardwood"
#5,579 in US
Tomi
Girl
Aramaic origin
"twin"
#5,756 in US
Zyrah
Girl
Hebrew origin
"princess, noblewoman"
#5,666 in US
Ciani
Girl
Hebrew via Italian origin
"God is gracious"
#5,695 in US
Keyari
Girl
American origin
"modern African-American creation"
#5,661 in US
Temari
Girl
Japanese folk art origin
"jeweled decorative ball"
#5,511 in US
Maranatha
Girl
Aramaic origin
"come, Lord"
#5,785 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Imari's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
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.
Keep Exploring
Japanese Names
Browse all names with this origin
I
Names Starting with I
More girl names like Imari
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
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