A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Nema since 1904
Babies named Nema per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nema's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 44 |
| 1920s | 80 |
| 1930s | 43 |
| 1940s | 18 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Nema is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1904 but did not achieve widespread use. After a long hiatus, it has seen a gradual increase in usage since 2005, though it remains uncommon, with fewer than five births per year in most years. Its peak year remains 1904, the year of its first recorded use. The name has no strong ties to any particular region or state and is most likely a modern coinage or a diminutive of other names. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and rarity, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that stands out without being elaborate.
Nema is a rare name of uncertain origin. It may have arisen as a diminutive or variant of longer names such as Anema or Zenema, or as a modern invention. Its earliest recorded use in the United States dates to 1904, but it did not gain sustained popularity. After a long period of disuse, it has reappeared in the 21st century, likely as a unique or coined name.
“Nema” around the world
Where Nema lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Nema
Names that share Nema's style, for a brother or sister.
