Holding steady.
Popularity of Nemesis since 1979
Babies named Nemesis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 45 |
| 2010s | 20 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Nemesis is a rare given name in the United States, with first recorded usage in 1979. It has never appeared in the national top 1000 rankings, reflecting its extremely low frequency. Its peak year, 1996, saw the most births, though still very few, and the name's trajectory has remained stable since then. As a mythological name, Nemesis carries a powerful meaning of retribution, making it a bold choice for parents drawn to classical or unconventional names. Despite its obscurity, it has appeared in literature and popular culture, reinforcing its association with justice and consequence.
Nemesis derives from the Greek νέμεσις (nemesis), meaning 'distribution of what is due' or 'retribution.' In Greek mythology, Nemesis was the goddess who enacted retribution against those who succumbed to hubris (excessive pride). The name has been used sparingly as a given name, largely in modern contexts, and carries a strong, formidable connotation.
“Nemesis” around the world
Where Nemesis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nemi, Ness
Sibling names for Nemesis
Names that share Nemesis's style, for a brother or sister.
