"rice load, successful rice harvest"
Origin: Japanese ine ni naru
Language: Japanese
Inari
Does Inari flow with your last name?
The name of Japan's beloved Shinto deity of rice and foxes
Japanese
Spiritual
Exotic
Whimsical
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Inari
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"Shinto deity of rice, foxes, and prosperity"
Origin: Japanese mythology
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Inari
Inari comes from the Japanese meaning ine ni naru, to become rice, or carrying a rice load. Inari is the name of the Shinto deity of rice, foxes, fertility, industry, and worldly success. The Inari shrine system is the most widespread in Japan, with over 30,000 shrines dedicated to Inari Okami. The name carries profound spiritual and agricultural significance in Japanese culture.
As Japanese names gain global appreciation and parents seek names with deep cultural roots and beautiful sounds, Inari has begun appearing outside Japan. Its mythological connection gives it a storytelling quality that resonates with parents who love names with rich backgrounds.
Inari Okami is one of the principal deities in Shinto, governing rice cultivation, fertility, foxes, industry, and worldly success. The name is inseparable from Japan's most ubiquitous shrine system and carries centuries of spiritual veneration.
Historical Record
Inari first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 529 babies have been named Inari in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Inari is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,249 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Inari is the name of one of Japan's most important Shinto deities, governing rice, foxes, and fortune
- There are over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, more than any other type of Shinto shrine
- Inari is also the name of a lake and town in Finnish Lapland, giving the name a Nordic dimension as well
Inari in Other Languages
English
Inari
Finnish
Inari
Swedish
Inari
Japanese
稲荷
Japanese (hiragana)
いなり
Popularity Over Time
#4,249
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Inari
I
Inari Okami
Religious
The Shinto deity of rice, foxes, fertility, industry, and worldly success, one of the most widely venerated kami in Japa...
The Shinto deity of rice, foxes, fertility, industry, and worldly success, one of the most widely venerated kami in Japan
I
Inari Vachs
Other
American actress and social media personality
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,249
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ina
Nari
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Inari
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Inari is also used as a boy name, ranked #28993.
View Inari as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Inari
What does the name Inari mean?
"rice load, successful rice harvest" (from Japanese ine ni naru). "Shinto deity of rice, foxes, and prosperity" (from Japanese mythology). Inari comes from the Japanese meaning ine ni naru, to become rice, or carrying a rice load. Inari is the name of the Shinto deity of rice, foxes, fertility, industry, and worldly success. The Inari shrine system is the most widespread in Japan, with over 30,000 shrines dedicated to Inari Okami. The name carries profound spiritual and agricultural significance in Japanese culture.
What is the origin of the name Inari?
Inari has Japanese ine ni naru, Japanese mythology, and Japanese origins. In Japanese ine ni naru, it means "rice load, successful rice harvest". In Japanese mythology, it means "Shinto deity of rice, foxes, and prosperity".
Is Inari a boy or girl name?
Inari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4249. As a boy name, it is ranked #28993. Inari is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Inari?
Inari is currently ranked #4249 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Inari?
Common nicknames for Inari include Ina and Nari.
What are good middle names for Inari?
Popular middle name pairings include Inari Rose, Inari Jade, Inari Marie, Inari Faye, Inari Grace, and Inari Luna.
What are good sibling names for Inari?
Names that pair well with Inari as siblings include Suki, Hana, Kenji, Ryo, Yuki, and Midori.
How many syllables does Inari have?
Inari has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Inari a common or rare name?
Inari is an uncommon name, ranked #4249 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Inari?
Are there other spellings for Inari?
Related spellings include Inara.
About the Name Inari
Inari is a girl name with Japanese origins . The name means "rice load, successful rice harvest" in Japanese ine ni naru .
Is Inari a boy or girl name? Inari is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,249 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,993. Inari is more commonly used as a girl name.
Inari is currently ranked #4,249 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Inari has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Inari include Ina and Nari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Inari include Inara . 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