An uncommon Swahili pick — distinctive and rare.
Damani is a boy's and girl's baby name of Swahili origin, from the Swahili meaning 'thoughtful' or 'one who thinks deeply.' It is used across East Africa and in the African diaspora as a name that honors intelligence and reflective character.
Damani is a quietly powerful name — to be thoughtful is a genuine virtue, and wrapping that aspiration in a name with real African linguistic roots gives it both cultural authenticity and beautiful meaning.
Damani was #1505 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2027, but its charm endures.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 337 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 871 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 756 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 447 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 16 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 138 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 75 | #2027 |
| 2023 | 61 | #2293 |
| 2022 | 67 | #2172 |
| 2021 | 70 | #2079 |
| 2020 | 64 | #2165 |
| 2019 | 72 | #2024 |
| 2018 | 60 | #2271 |
| 2017 | 67 | #2071 |
| 2016 | 69 | #2048 |
| 2015 | 76 | #1915 |
| 2014 | 115 | #1437 |
| 2013 | 124 | #1363 |
| 2012 | 158 | #1156 |
| 2011 | 68 | #2004 |
| 2010 | 62 | #2150 |
| 2009 | 64 | #2125 |
| 2008 | 70 | #2008 |
| 2007 | 62 | #2168 |
| 2006 | 59 | #2185 |
| 2005 | 63 | #1989 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Though more common for boys, Damani has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 638 births since 1996.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1971–2024) · Methodology