Declining since 2007, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Nyema since 1974
Babies named Nyema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 71 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 260 |
| 2010s | 152 |
| 2020s | 83 |
Meaning & origin
Nyema is a rare and modern African-inspired name, first recorded in the United States in 1974. Its peak popularity came in 2006, though it has never been common. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2007, and in 2025 it ranked 6,838 with a frequency of 1 in 100,454 births. While its exact origin is uncertain, Nyema likely draws from Arabic or West African linguistic roots. Because no top states are recorded for the name, it shows no strong geographic concentration, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with cross-cultural resonance.
Nyema is a name of uncertain etymology. It may be a variant of the Arabic name Naima, meaning 'tranquil' or 'content', or it could derive from the Mandinka word for 'mother'. The name gained limited usage in the United States beginning in the 1970s, possibly influenced by the rising popularity of African and African-inspired names. Its usage has remained rare, with no strong regional concentration.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nye, Nema
Sibling names for Nyema
Names that share Nyema's style, for a brother or sister.
