Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Amiri
UnisexArabic· “princely, commander”
- Meaning
- princely, commander
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- uh-MEER-ee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #604
- US babies 2025
- 472
- Best rank
- #506 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Amiri
Amiri is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “princely, commander”.
Amiri comes from the Arabic amir, meaning prince or commander, and it is often read as princely. The same root gives English the word emir. The name is best known in the United States through the poet and playwright Amiri Baraka, who adopted it as part of his chosen name. Amiri is used for both boys and girls and has a smooth, musical sound, with stress on the second syllable. It feels strong yet gentle, and it suits families who want a name with Arabic roots and a literary connection. Miri and Ami are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Amiri first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 2021. Its best national rank was #506 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 596 babies. In 2025, 472 babies were named Amiri, and it ranked #604 nationally. That is 2046% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,428 in 2000, #6,369 in 2010, and #604 in 2025. Of the 3,306 US boys named Amiri since records began, 81% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Rio, Sevyn, Denver, Azariah, and Ocean.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Amiri ranked highest in Nevada, Connecticut, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #215 | 14 |
| Connecticut | #326 | 9 |
| Ohio | #350 | 32 |
| Wisconsin | #375 | 14 |
| North Carolina | #382 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Amiri is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 34% of US babies named Amiri were girls and 66% were boys.
Amiri is usually pronounced uh-MEER-ee, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ri”.
Middle names for Amiri
A few middle names that flow with Amiri: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Amiri
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Lists that include Amiri
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Amiri mean?
Amiri is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “princely, commander”.
What is the origin of the name Amiri?
Amiri has Arabic roots. Amiri comes from the Arabic amir, meaning prince or commander, and it is often read as princely.
Is Amiri a popular name?
Yes. Amiri ranked #604 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Amiri a boy or girl name?
Amiri is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 34% of US babies named Amiri were girls and 66% were boys.
How do you pronounce Amiri?
Amiri is usually pronounced uh-MEER-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings