Holding steady.
Popularity of Bama since 1880
Babies named Bama per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1894, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bama's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 61 |
| 1890s | 74 |
| 1900s | 83 |
| 1910s | 100 |
| 1920s | 87 |
| 1930s | 43 |
| 1940s | 28 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bama is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, the earliest year of Social Security data. It saw its peak usage in 1883, though even then it was given to fewer than 5 girls, and it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. The name has shown a consistently stable trajectory over the decades, with no notable spikes or revivals. Its lack of association with any particular state or region suggests it arose as an informal nickname or a creative coinage. As a modern English name of uncertain origin, Bama remains a distinctive and uncommon choice.
Bama first appeared in U.S. records in the 1880s, likely as a diminutive or nickname. It may be a shortened form of names like Alabama or a pet form of Barbara or other names beginning with 'B'. Its usage has remained very rare and sporadic, without a clear linguistic or cultural source.
Sibling names for Bama
Names that share Bama's style, for a brother or sister.
