Kemaya

“Promise”

African origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16516US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

163All-time births

📅 Since 199900

How to pronounce Kemaya

KEM·EYE·uh

/ˈkɛm.ˈaɪ.ə/ · stress on KEM · 3 syllables

“Promise”

African origin · Girl name

What does Kemaya mean and where does it come from?

Kemaya is a name with African origins, carrying meanings like 'promise' and has associations with the name of Lord Krishna in Hindu culture. This dual meaning gives it a rich cultural significance. While the name is not widespread in the West, it holds value in specific communities, especially where

Cultural significance

Kemaya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in African-speaking communities, where it reflects values of promise.

Peak popularity

Reached #6771 in 2007 — currently #16516 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kemaya?

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

Kemaya Grace

How popular is Kemaya right now?

Falling — down 5119 spots — currently #16516 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2022#16516 · Top 12%

2005

2010

2015

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#16516	5	▼ down 5119 · -44% births
2015	#11397	9	▼ down 1787 · -25% births
2010	#9610	12	▼ down 820 · -8% births
2005	#8790	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kemaya

Best Year2005Rank #8790

Peak Count13

Average Rank#11578

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2005 - 20224 years

The story of Kemaya

Kemaya is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 163 total births recorded, Kemaya remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8790 in 2005, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16516 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Kemaya in 2007:

Emily Isabella Emma Ava Madison

Kemaya by decade

Kemaya peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	7
2000s ★	87
2010s	69

💎Kemaya has only 163 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kemaya?

Common

KemKemieKemyAya

Famous people named Kemaya

Kemaya (Pan-African activist)

Kemaya used this name in the movement for African cultural pride and independence.

Kemaya (African poet or griot)

Kemaya passed this name through the oral tradition of African storytelling and music.

Kemaya (East African historical figure)

Kemaya carried this name in the rich cultural heritage of East African civilization.

Kemaya (West African traditional leader)

Kemaya bore this name in the royal traditions of West African kingdoms.

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What names sound and feel like Kemaya?

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

Kemya

African · the one who

American · a modern creation,

Kelaya

American · A modern name

Kemiya

Persian · alchemy

Keymaya

American · A beloved name

Kemara

American · A variation of

Common questions about the name Kemaya

What does the name Kemaya mean?

Kemaya means "Promise" — a name rooted in African 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 Kemaya?

Kemaya 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 Kemaya?

Kemaya originates from African tradition. African 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 Kemaya?

Kemaya is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 M AY1 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 Kemaya?

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