Declining since 2018, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Chimamanda since 2008
Babies named Chimamanda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 13 |
| 2010s | 344 |
| 2020s | 184 |
Meaning & origin
Chimamanda is a distinctive Igbo name that entered U.S. records in 2008 and rose quickly, reaching its peak rank in 2018. As of 2025, it ranked 4,758 with about 1 in 57,402 girls receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2018, reflecting a natural ebb after initial enthusiasm. The name is most commonly found in Texas, where many Nigerian-American communities reside. While not yet a mainstay, Chimamanda carries cultural weight and literary prestige, thanks to the prominent author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Its meaning, 'My God will not fail', resonates with many families seeking a name with deep spiritual roots.
Chimamanda is a name of Igbo origin from southeastern Nigeria. It is an extract from the Igbo phrase 'Chineke m aga adi mma' or similar expressions meaning 'My God will not fail me' or 'God will not let me down'. The name gained international recognition through the acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, born in 1977. It has become a symbol of Igbo cultural pride and is used primarily among the Igbo diaspora.
Where Chimamanda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Chimamanda” around the world
Where Chimamanda lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chi-Chi, Manda, Amanda
Sibling names for Chimamanda
Names that share Chimamanda's style, for a brother or sister.
