Hodari
Meaningstrong and skilled · Swahili
Hodari is an African boy name meaning “strong and skilled”, with Swahili roots. Swahili names are often chosen for a quality or a blessing parents wish for their child. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Hodari has the name Ari hiding inside it.
- Word funHodari doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- GenerationHodari peaked in 1973, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Hodari you'd meet today is about 52 years old.
- HistoryHodari first shows up in US birth records in 1972, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 53 years since.
US births per million boys, 1972–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Hodari
Hodari is a boy name of African origin meaning “strong and skilled”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:African names
More African boy names
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Boy name: Omari · long-lived
- Boy name: Ermias · form of Jeremiah
- Boy name: Jabari · brave, fearless
- Boy name: Paulo · small
- Unisex name: Amani · peace
Questions about the name Hodari
What does the name Hodari mean?
Hodari means “strong and skilled” and comes from Swahili. Names built around “strong” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Griffin (“strong lord”), Bryan (“possibly noble, strong”), Brian (“possibly noble, strong”) and Valentino (“strong, healthy”).
What is the origin of the name Hodari?
Hodari is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Swahili. Other African names to consider are Cairo (“the victorious”), Asa (“healer”), Zaire (“river”) and Omari (“long-lived”).
Is Hodari a boy or girl name?
Hodari is a boy name.
How popular is the name Hodari?
Hodari is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2022. It peaked at #2,716 in 1973, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Hodari?
If you like Hodari, you might also like Griffin, Bryan, Brian and Valentino.
What should I know before naming my baby Hodari?
Hodari is an African boy name meaning “strong and skilled”, with Swahili roots. Swahili names are often chosen for a quality or a blessing parents wish for their child. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.