Holding steady.
Popularity of Jomo since 1960
Babies named Jomo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 43 |
| 1970s | 235 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jomo is a name with a strong African identity, specifically rooted in the Kikuyu culture of Kenya. While its exact meaning remains debated, it is most famously associated with Jomo Kenyatta, the country's first president. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1960, but it has never entered the top 1000 rankings. Its peak year was 1975, likely reflecting interest in African independence movements, but usage has remained very low and stable since then. The name is rarely used, with fewer than 5 births per year in most years, making it a distinctive choice. The top states for Jomo are not recorded, indicating its rarity across the country.
Jomo is a name of Kikuyu origin from Kenya. Its exact meaning is debated, but it is often linked to the Kikuyu word for a burning spear or a leader. The name gained prominence through Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, and has been used primarily in East Africa and among the African diaspora.
Sibling names for Jomo
Names that share Jomo's style, for a brother or sister.

