Declining since 2010, #1,026 for boys today.
Popularity of Semaj since 1971
Babies named Semaj per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 | 81 |
| 1980s | 38 | 151 |
| 1990s | 257 | 835 |
| 2000s | 894 | 2,726 |
| 2010s | 670 | 2,450 |
| 2020s | 169 | 1,178 |
Meaning & origin
Semaj is a modern invented name, created by reversing the spelling of James. It fits a broader trend of creative respellings and reversed names that emerged in the late 20th century, particularly within African American naming traditions. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1971 and steadily rose to its peak rank of 1026 in 2011, after which it has been declining in use. In 2025, about 1 in every 7,871 newborns was named Semaj. The name has been most popular in southern states such as Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana. Like other mirrored names such as Nevaeh ('heaven' reversed), Semaj offers a distinctive twist on a classic name while retaining its familiar sound and meaning.
Semaj is a modern invented name, created by reversing the spelling of James. James itself derives from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov (Jacob), traditionally interpreted as 'supplanter'. The name Semaj first appeared in U.S. records in 1971 and gained popularity particularly among African American families in the late 20th century.
Where Semaj is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Semaj
Names that share Semaj's style, for a brother or sister.
