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

Popularity of Zuri by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Zuri is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Zuri being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,471 female babies and 31 male babies born with the name Zuri.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 31 baby boys were named Zuri in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Zuri

The name Zuri originates from the Swahili language, which is spoken predominantly in East Africa. It is a relatively modern name, with its earliest known usage dating back to the late 20th century. The name Zuri is derived from the Swahili word 'zuri', which means 'beautiful' or 'good'.

While the name itself does not have a long recorded history, its roots can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of the Swahili people. The Swahili language is a Bantu language that has been influenced by Arabic, Persian, and other languages due to centuries of trade and cultural exchange along the East African coast.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Zuri was Zuri Mkuu, a prominent Swahili poet and scholar who lived in the 19th century. Mkuu was renowned for his mastery of the Swahili language and his contributions to the preservation of Swahili literature and culture.

Another notable figure in history with the name Zuri was Zuri Sokoni, a Tanzanian businesswoman and entrepreneur who lived in the early 20th century. Sokoni was known for her successful trading ventures and her philanthropic efforts in supporting education and social causes in her community.

In more recent times, the name Zuri has gained popularity beyond its East African roots. One prominent figure is Zuri Adele, an American singer and songwriter born in 1985. Adele has achieved success in the music industry with her unique blend of R&B and soul music.

Another notable Zuri is Zuri Ariel, a Kenyan-American artist and activist born in 1990. Ariel has gained recognition for her vibrant paintings and sculptures that celebrate African culture and promote social justice causes.

Finally, Zuri Zahara, a South African model and actress born in 1995, has made a name for herself in the fashion and entertainment industries. Zahara has graced the covers of numerous magazines and has appeared in several television shows and films.

While the name Zuri may be relatively new in the grand scheme of history, it carries with it a rich cultural heritage and a growing legacy of individuals who have made their mark in various fields.

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 Zuri was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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