MallowbyNames

Jomo

JOH-moh · Of uncertain origin, possibly meaning 'burning spear' or 'he who leads' in Kikuyu.

Peak popularity
1975
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Jomo since 1960

Babies named Jomo per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1121321960198020002020Most births 1970Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1960s43
1970s235
1980s46
1990s25
2000s6
2010s0
2020s0

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.

Sisters: Amina, Zuri, Nia, Makena, Asha

Brothers: Kwame, Kofi, Jelani, Baraka, Zuberi

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jomo, our favorite little boy.

J is for Jomo…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jomo's letter becomes Jomo's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jomo's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jomo mean?
Jomo is of Kikuyu origin and its meaning is uncertain. It is often interpreted as 'burning spear' or 'he who leads,' but these are not definitively established.
How popular is Jomo currently?
Jomo has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. According to Social Security data, it has been consistently rare since records began in 1960, with no significant change in recent years.
Is Jomo a boy or girl name?
Jomo is overwhelmingly used as a boy's name.