Chimera

“she-goat” — Symbolize something that is fantastical or impossible

Greek origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1112US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

46All-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Chimera

chim·ER·uh

/tʃɪm.ˈɛr.ə/ · stress on ER · 3 syllables

“she-goat”

Symbolize something that is fantastical or impossible · Greek origin

What does Chimera mean and where does it come from?

Chimera originates from Greek mythology, where it referred to a fire-breathing creature that is a hybrid of a lion, a goat, and a serpent. The term 'chimera' has also evolved in modern usage to symbolize something that is fantastical or impossible. In contemporary contexts, it can signify a genetic

Cultural significance

Chimera has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of she-goat.

Peak popularity

Reached #6187 in 1983 — currently #1112 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Chimera?

Chimera works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Chimera Grace

How popular is Chimera right now?

Holding steady — currently #1112 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1112 · Top 0.82%

1980

1985

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1112	1,088	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1117	1,068	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1122	1,038	▲ up 13239 · +20660% births
1995	#14361	5	▼ down 2466
1985	#11895	5	▼ down 5114 · -50% births
1980	#6781	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Chimera

Best Year2023Rank #1112

Peak Count1,088

Average Rank#6065

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20236 years

The story of Chimera

Chimera is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 46 total births recorded, Chimera remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6781 in 1980 to #1112 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Chimera in 1983:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Ashley Sarah

Chimera by decade

Chimera peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s ★	31
1990s	5
2000s	5
2010s	5

💎Chimera has only 46 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Chimera?

Common

ChiChimChimieChimyEra

Famous people named Chimera

Chimera (Greek mythological figure)

Chimera carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Chimera (Byzantine leader)

Chimera used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Chimera (Greek poet or artist)

Chimera helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Chimera (modern Greek athlete)

Chimera brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Chimera?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Chimera also consider these

Chidera

Nigeria · God has written

Chiera

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Chimira

Zambia · A form of

Chakera

American · A combination of

Shikera

American · the one who

Kimera

Japan · chimera; mythological creature

Common questions about the name Chimera

What does the name Chimera mean?

Chimera means "she-goat" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Chimera?

Chimera is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Chimera?

Chimera originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Chimera?

Chimera is a three-syllable name pronounced CH IH0 M EH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Chimera?

Chimera pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.