Declining since 2017, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Sema since 1930
Babies named Sema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 17 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 59 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Sema is a name with diverse cultural roots, primarily from Arabic and Turkish origins, meaning 'sky', 'heaven', or 'divine omen'. In the U.S., it has been recorded since 1930, though it has never been common. Its peak popularity occurred in 2014, but its usage has been falling since 2017. As of 2025, Sema ranks 13,208, with a 1-in-267,878 chance of a newborn being given this name. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular U.S. state. Its multiple origins and cross-cultural appeal make it a distinctive choice with layers of meaning, though its rarity means it remains a unique selection for parents seeking an uncommon name with international flair.
Sema has multiple possible origins. In Arabic, it is related to 'sama'' meaning 'sky' or 'heaven', and can also be a feminine form of Sami, meaning 'elevated' or 'sublime'. In Hebrew, Sema is a variant of Shema, meaning 'hear' or 'obey', though this is less common. In Turkish, Sema means 'divine omen' or 'heavenly sign', and is a given name for girls. In modern English contexts, it may be a short form of Seraphina, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'fiery ones'.
“Sema” around the world
Where Sema lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sem, Semi
Sibling names for Sema
Names that share Sema's style, for a brother or sister.
