Declining since 2019, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Arsema since 1995
Babies named Arsema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 110 |
| 2010s | 397 |
| 2020s | 187 |
Meaning & origin
Arsema is a rare Ethiopian name that entered U.S. records in 1995, reflecting diaspora communities. Its peak year was 2015, though it has been declining since 2019. In 2025, it ranked 4,758 with a frequency of roughly 1 in 57,402 births, making it a distinctive choice for families honoring Ethiopian heritage. The name's etymology is rooted in Ge'ez, but its exact meaning remains uncertain. No U.S. state recorded it among its top names, consistent with its rarity.
Arsema is an Ethiopian name, predominantly used among the Amhara and Tigray peoples. It may be connected to the word አርሰማ (ärsema) from Ge'ez, the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, though its precise meaning is debated. The name has been borne by Ethiopian Orthodox saints, lending it religious significance in the region.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arsi, Sema
Sibling names for Arsema
Names that share Arsema's style, for a brother or sister.
