What does Kemi mean and where does it come from?
Kemi is a name of Yoruba origin, primarily used in Nigeria. It means 'God has given me', which reflects a cultural appreciation for divine gifts and blessings. The name is commonly given to female children and may be part of longer names that include 'Kemi' as a prefix. It has gained visibility in E
Cultural significance
Kemi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigeria-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yoruba.
Peak popularity
Reached #4385 in 1978 — currently #9305 in the US.
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Related Reading
Nigeria-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kemi?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kemi?
Kemi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kemi Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kemi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kemi Claire
French influence · crisp
Kemi Jane
Literary · strong
Kemi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kemi right now?
Falling — down 2456 spots — currently #9305 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9305 | 11 | ▼ down 2456 · -35% births |
| 2022 | #6849 | 17 | ▲ up 7527 · +183% births |
| 2021 | #14376 | 6 | ▼ down 3186 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #11190 | 8 | ▼ down 904 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #10286 | 10 | ▲ up 3418 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #13704 | 7 | ▼ down 424 |
| 2005 | #13280 | 7 | ▼ down 3211 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #10069 | 9 | ▲ up 763 · +29% births |
| 1995 | #10832 | 7 | ▲ up 162 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #10994 | 5 | ▼ down 3397 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #7597 | 7 | ▲ up 1107 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #8704 | 5 | ▼ down 2314 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #6390 | 6 | — |
The story of Kemi
Kemi is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 332 total births recorded, Kemi remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6390 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9305 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kemi in 1978:
Kemi by decade
Kemi peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 17 | |
| 1970s ★ | 71 | |
| 1980s | 56 | |
| 1990s | 70 | |
| 2000s | 56 | |
| 2010s | 54 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Kemi has only 332 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kemi?
What names sound and feel like Kemi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kemi also consider these
Common questions about the name Kemi
What does the name Kemi mean?
Kemi means "Yoruba" — a name rooted in Nigeria 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 Kemi?
Kemi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Kemi?
Kemi originates from Nigeria tradition. Nigeria 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 Kemi?
Kemi is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 M IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kemi a common or rare name?
Kemi is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.