What does Kemar mean and where does it come from?
Kemar is a name commonly found in Jamaica and among the Jamaican diaspora in the United States. It reflects African heritage, and the name has gained popularity within Jamaican culture. Notable people with this name include Kemar Roofe, a well-known Jamaican footballer. The name is contemporary, wit
Cultural significance
Kemar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Jamaica-speaking communities, where it reflects values of african.
Peak popularity
Reached #3313 in 2009 — currently #11563 in the US.
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Related Reading
Jamaica-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kemar?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kemar?
Kemar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kemar Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kemar Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kemar Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kemar Claire
French influence · crisp
Kemar Jane
Literary · strong
Kemar Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kemar right now?
Falling — down 5237 spots — currently #11563 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #11563 | 6 | ▼ down 5237 · -57% births |
| 2022 | #6326 | 14 | ▲ up 578 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #6904 | 12 | ▼ down 516 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #6388 | 13 | ▲ up 99 |
| 2015 | #6487 | 13 | ▼ down 573 · -13% births |
| 2010 | #5914 | 15 | ▼ down 452 |
| 2005 | #5462 | 15 | ▲ up 722 · +36% births |
| 2000 | #6184 | 11 | ▼ down 1444 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #4740 | 13 | ▲ up 4430 · +160% births |
| 1990 | #9170 | 5 | — |
The story of Kemar
Kemar is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1989. With 550 total births recorded, Kemar remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9170 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11563 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kemar in 2009:
Kemar by decade
Kemar peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 10 | |
| 1990s | 112 | |
| 2000s ★ | 210 | |
| 2010s | 205 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎Kemar has only 550 total recorded births since 1989 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kemar?
What names sound and feel like Kemar?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kemar also consider these
Common questions about the name Kemar
What does the name Kemar mean?
Kemar means "African" — a name rooted in Jamaica 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 Kemar?
Kemar is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Kemar?
Kemar originates from Jamaica tradition. Jamaica 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 Kemar?
Kemar is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 M AA1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kemar a common or rare name?
Kemar is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.