What Does the Name Omari Mean?
Omari is most often glossed as "populous" or "flourishing," reaching Swahili-speaking East Africa as a local form of the Arabic name Umar. Some sources instead tie it to the Arabic root ʿumr, meaning "life," giving a secondary sense of "long-lived."
The Origin & History of Omari
The name's roots run through Arabic, where Umar is one of the most significant names in Islamic history — Umar ibn al-Khattab was the second Caliph of Islam. Swahili speakers in Kenya and Tanzania adapted the name to Omari, and from there it traveled into wider use, including a strong presence among Black American families.
Cultural Reach
Omari has become especially recognizable in the US through public figures, most notably actor Omari Hardwick ("Power") and R&B singer Omarion, born Omari Grandberry. It's used across both East African and African American communities, often without a single culture claiming it exclusively.
Personality & Traits
With a meaning centered on flourishing and abundance, Omari suggests vitality and growth — an upbeat, confident name.
Famous People Named Omari
Omari Hardwick is an American actor best known for starring in the television series "Power." Omarion, born Omari Ishmael Grandberry, is an American R&B singer and former member of the group B2K.
Popularity as a Given Name
SSA data recorded 461 boys named Omari in the US in 2024, down slightly from 496 in 2023 — a well-established name holding steady at a solid level rather than trending sharply either direction.
Nicknames & Variants
Umar and Omar are the closest Arabic-rooted forms. Omarion is a modern extended variant popularized by the singer of the same name.