Holding steady.
Popularity of Chima since 1978
Babies named Chima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 60 |
| 1990s | 74 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Chima is an Igbo name that entered US records in 1978, reflecting the growing Nigerian diaspora. It has never cracked the top 1000, but its peak year (2002) saw the most recorded births, and the trajectory has remained stable since. The name's meaning, rooted in the concept of divine knowledge, connects bearers to Igbo cultural heritage. Chima appears most frequently in states with large Nigerian communities, though it is not concentrated in any single state. Its consistent but low usage suggests a name that families choose to honor their heritage rather than follow trends.
Chima is a masculine name from the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria. It is a short form of longer names like Chimaobi (God knows) or Chimamanda (My God will not fail). The name reflects the common Igbo practice of incorporating 'Chi' (personal god or spiritual guardian) into names. Chima has been used among the Igbo for generations, often conveying trust in divine knowledge or goodness. In the United States, it has seen modest but steady use since the late 1970s, primarily within Nigerian-American communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chi
Sibling names for Chima
Names that share Chima's style, for a brother or sister.
