Find out how popular the first name Johari has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Johari by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Johari is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 60% of people named Johari being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Johari.

It's also interesting to see that despite Johari being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Johari.

The history of the first name Johari

The name Johari has its origins in the Swahili language, which is spoken primarily in East Africa. The word "johari" in Swahili means "jewel" or "precious stone," suggesting that the name carries connotations of value and rarity.

In the Swahili culture, names often reflect traits or attributes that parents hope their children will possess or embody. The name Johari may have been bestowed upon children with the intention of conveying their preciousness and worth.

While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, some sources trace its roots to the Arabic word "jawhar," which also means "jewel" or "essence." This Arabic connection is unsurprising, given the influence of Arabic language and culture on the Swahili coastal regions of East Africa due to historical trade and cultural exchanges.

One of the earliest documented uses of the name Johari can be found in the writings of the renowned Swahili poet and philosopher, Shaaban Robert, who lived from 1909 to 1962. In his works, he mentions a character named Johari, suggesting that the name was in use during the early to mid-20th century in East Africa.

Notable individuals who have borne the name Johari include Johari Abdul-Malik (1935-2005), an American Muslim leader and civil rights activist, and Johari Amini (born 1961), an Iranian-American film director and screenwriter.

In the realm of literature, Johari is the name of a character in the novel "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, published in 2003. The character, a young girl in the story, serves as a representation of innocence and resilience in the face of adversity.

Another noteworthy figure named Johari is Johari Nur (born 1980), a Malaysian singer and songwriter who has gained popularity for her contributions to the contemporary Malay music scene.

Johari was also the name of a respected Islamic scholar from the 9th century, known as Johari al-Muqaddasi, who wrote extensively on various aspects of Islamic jurisprudence and theology.

While the name Johari may have originated in the Swahili language and culture, its meaning and significance have transcended geographic boundaries, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its symbolism of preciousness and value.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Johari was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Johari, please contact us.

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