Zuri

How to say it

ˈzʊr.i

What it means

Swahili for 'beautiful' or 'good.'

Zuri is the Swahili word for 'beautiful' or 'good,' a bright, simple East African name that has climbed quickly in the US, especially in Black families drawn to its sound and meaning. The 2018 film Black Panther, with its character Zuri, gave it a fresh cultural boost. It is short, warm, and unmistakably positive. ZOOR-ee, with the stress up front.

How to spell Zuri

The standard spelling is Zuri. Common variants include Zurie, Zury, Zurih, but Zuri is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Pop culture

  Boosted by Black Panther; the Swahili meaning, 'beautiful,' is the draw.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Zuri a character in Marvel's Black Panther

Spelling variants

• Zurie
• Zury
• Zurih

Names with the same feeling

• Amara Grace, or 'eternal'
• Nova New, bright star
• Maya Illusion, or 'water'
• Kehlani Sea and sky
• Zara Blooming, or 'princess'

See Zuri from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Zuri mean?

Swahili for 'beautiful' or 'good.'

What does Zuri mean in Swahili?

In Swahili, Zuri means "Beautiful, good." Zuri is the Swahili word for 'beautiful' or 'good,' a bright, simple East African name that has climbed quickly in the US, especially in Black families drawn to its sound and meaning. The 2018 film Black Panther, with its character Zuri, gave it a fresh cultural boost. It is short, warm, and unmistakably positive. ZOOR-ee, with the stress up front.

How do you pronounce Zuri?

Zuri is pronounced ˈzʊr.i. Say it as ZU-ri, with the stress on the "zu" syllable.

How do you spell Zuri?

The standard spelling is Zuri. Common spelling variants include Zurie, Zury, Zurih.

Is Zuri a boy or girl name?

Zuri is traditionally a feminine name.

How popular is the name Zuri?

Zuri ranked #329 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.