Declining since 2017, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Dema since 1888
Babies named Dema per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dema's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 70 |
| 1910s | 135 |
| 1920s | 149 |
| 1930s | 105 |
| 1940s | 67 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 54 |
| 2010s | 96 |
| 2020s | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Dema is a rare name that appeared on the U.S. naming landscape as early as 1888, with its peak rank of 14,942 in 1892. Despite its long history, it has never been common, and its trajectory has been declining since 2017, when it began to fall in usage. The name's exact origin is uncertain, but it is often linked to the Arabic name Deema, meaning 'rain cloud', giving it a gentle, natural association. Dema has not been recorded in any top states in recent years, and its usage remains sporadic. For parents seeking a name that is both familiar and unique, Dema offers a short, melodic option with a touch of vintage charm.
The name Dema is likely a variant of Deema, a name from Arabic 'dayma' meaning 'rain cloud' or 'drizzle'. It has also been used as a short form of names like Demetria or Demaris, but its independent use in the United States dates to the late 19th century. The name's modest usage peaked in the 1890s and has since declined.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Dema
Names that share Dema's style, for a brother or sister.
