Holding steady.
Popularity of Lemma since 1880
Babies named Lemma per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lemma's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 |
| 1890s | 34 |
| 1900s | 32 |
| 1910s | 82 |
| 1920s | 62 |
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lemma is a name that saw its most notable usage in the 1880s, peaking in 1882, but has since become exceedingly rare. According to Social Security data, it first appeared in 1880 and has a trajectory described as stable, meaning it has not seen significant resurgence. The name's origins are debated: it may be a feminine form of the Hebrew Lemuel, a variant of Philomena, or an independent name from Arabic roots. Without a clear consensus on etymology, Lemma remains a mysterious choice. No top states are recorded, reflecting its limited historical spread. Parents drawn to rare vintage names with a soft sound may appreciate Lemma's understated charm.
Lemma is most often considered a feminine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root l-m-m, carrying associations of gathering, joining, or devotion. In this context, it is related to the concept of being devoted or dedicated. Alternatively, lemma may be an English respelling of Lema, which itself is sometimes a short form of Philomena (Greek 'lover of strength') or a feminine form of the biblical Lemuel (Hebrew 'devoted to God'). The name saw moderate use in the United States in the late 19th century, peaking in 1882, and has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lem, Lemy
Variants: Lema, Lemah
Sibling names for Lemma
Names that share Lemma's style, for a brother or sister.
