What does Lima mean and where does it come from?
Lima is a name of Arabic origin, commonly associated with the citrus fruit which shares its name. It’s predominantly heard in Arabic-speaking cultures but has begun to gain traction in Western contexts due to its simplicity and appealing sound. Lima can also evoke connections to the city in Peru, es
Cultural significance
Lima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of citrus fruit.
Peak popularity
Reached #1243 in 1904 — currently #16593 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lima?
Lima works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lima Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lima Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lima Claire
French influence · crisp
Lima Jane
Literary · strong
Lima Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lima right now?
Falling — down 2010 spots — currently #16593 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #16593 | 5 | ▼ down 2010 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #14583 | 6 | ▼ down 1635 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #12948 | 7 | ▲ up 450 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #13398 | 6 | ▲ up 1139 |
| 2015 | #14537 | 6 | ▼ down 10013 |
| 1920 | #4524 | 6 | ▼ down 1953 · +20% births |
| 1910 | #2571 | 5 | ▼ down 705 · -17% births |
| 1905 | #1866 | 6 | — |
The story of Lima
Lima has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. With 148 total births recorded, Lima remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1866 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16593 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lima in 1904:
Lima by decade
Lima peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 16 | |
| 1910s ★ | 41 | |
| 1920s | 36 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 38 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Lima has only 148 total recorded births since 1897 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lima?
Famous people named Lima
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Lima (Sufi mystic)
Lima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lima (Islamic scholar)
Lima bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
L(
Lima (Quranic figure)
Lima appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Lima (Arab poet)
Lima carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Lima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lima also consider these
Common questions about the name Lima
What does the name Lima mean?
Lima means "citrus fruit" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Lima?
Lima is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lima have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lima?
Lima originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lima trending right now?
Lima is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Lima a common or rare name?
Lima is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.