What does Lema mean and where does it come from?
Lema is a name commonly used in Ethiopia and Somalia, derived from the Amharic and Somali languages. The name signifies positivity and denotes qualities such as diligence. It may not have widespread recognition outside of these regions but holds cultural significance as a feminine name in local trad
Cultural significance
Lema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ethiopia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of amharic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1191 in 1895 — currently #11790 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ethiopia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lema?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lema?
Lema works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lema Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lema Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lema Claire
French influence · crisp
Lema Jane
Literary · strong
Lema Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lema right now?
Rising fast — up 2697 spots — currently #11790 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #11790 | 8 | ▲ up 2697 · +33% births |
| 2021 | #14487 | 6 | ▲ up 557 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #15044 | 5 | ▼ down 11083 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #3961 | 6 | ▼ down 779 · -40% births |
| 1925 | #3182 | 10 | ▼ down 541 · -23% births |
| 1920 | #2641 | 13 | ▼ down 720 · -24% births |
| 1915 | #1921 | 17 | ▼ down 295 · +143% births |
| 1905 | #1626 | 7 | ▲ up 198 · +17% births |
| 1900 | #1824 | 6 | ▼ down 633 · -33% births |
| 1895 | #1191 | 9 | ▲ up 135 · +50% births |
| 1890 | #1326 | 6 | — |
The story of Lema
Lema has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 359 total births recorded, Lema remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1326 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11790 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Lema in 1895:
Lema by decade
Lema peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 34 | |
| 1900s | 33 | |
| 1910s ★ | 109 | |
| 1920s | 93 | |
| 1930s | 36 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 2000s | 14 | |
| 2010s | 18 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Lema has only 359 total recorded births since 1890 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lema?
What names sound and feel like Lema?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lema also consider these
Common questions about the name Lema
What does the name Lema mean?
Lema means "Amharic" — a name rooted in Ethiopia 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 Lema?
Lema is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lema have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lema?
Lema originates from Ethiopia tradition. Ethiopia 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 Lema?
Lema is a two-syllable name pronounced L AY1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lema trending right now?
Lema is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.