Damani
25% girls · 75% boys
About Damani
Damani is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Swahili, it means 'thought' or 'to think,' while some sources connect it to Arabic origins meaning 'pearl.'
Damani for girls#5763 US
The name has gained popularity among parents seeking names with African roots. With its melodic three-syllable rhythm (pronounced dah-MAH-nee), Damani has a musical quality that contributes to its appeal. Though traditionally more common for boys in some cultures, it has been increasingly used for girls in North America.
While not among the most common names, Damani offers cultural richness and a beautiful sound that resonates with parents looking for a distinctive yet accessible name for their daughters.
Damani for boys#2264 US
Damani has multiple potential origins. It may derive from Swahili, where it means 'thought' or 'thinking,' connecting to the concept of thoughtfulness or contemplation. In some Indian languages, particularly Sanskrit-derived ones, Damani can be a surname meaning 'rope-maker' or related to the concept of restraint. The name has also been documented in certain Arabic-speaking regions. Damani began appearing with increasing frequency in American naming records in the 1990s and has grown steadily in popularity since then. Its appeal may be related to its melodic sound, distinctive character, and meaningful potential interpretations across different linguistic traditions. The name fits with contemporary naming trends favoring names ending with the '-ni' sound and has a modern feel while connecting to established linguistic traditions.
Pronounced duh-MAH-nee.
As of October 2026, Damani ranked #5763 for girls and #2264 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3800 for girls in 2013 and #1156 for boys in 2012.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #4,924 | 28 | #1,437 | 115 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | #1,915 | 76 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | #2,048 | 69 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | #2,071 | 67 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | #2,271 | 60 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | #2,024 | 72 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | #2,165 | 64 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | #2,079 | 70 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | #2,172 | 67 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | #2,293 | 61 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | #2,027 | 75 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | #2,264 | 62 |