Nakema

“the one who builds”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1430US 2023

770Births / yr

→Stable

75All-time births

📅 Since 197700

How to pronounce Nakema

NAH·KEM·AH

/ˈnɑ.ˈkɛm.ˈɑ/ · stress on NAH · 3 syllables

“the one who builds”

American origin · Girl name

What does Nakema mean and where does it come from?

Nakema is a modern American name, often used within African American communities. It has emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend of unique, creative names that reflect personal and cultural significance. The meaning 'the one who builds' suggests strength and a nurturing quality. There ma

Cultural significance

Nakema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who builds.

Peak popularity

Reached #4922 in 1978 — currently #1430 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nakema?

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

Nakema Grace

How popular is Nakema right now?

Holding steady — currently #1430 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1430 · Top 1.1%

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1430	770	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1435	750	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1440	720	▲ up 4093 · +5438% births
1980	#5533	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nakema

Best Year2023Rank #1430

Peak Count770

Average Rank#2460

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20234 years

The story of Nakema

Nakema is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 75 total births recorded, Nakema remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5533 in 1980 to #1430 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nakema in 1978:

Jennifer Melissa Jessica Amy Heather

Nakema by decade

Nakema peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	26
1980s ★	44
1990s	5

💎Nakema has only 75 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nakema?

Common

NakNakieNakyEma

What names sound and feel like Nakema?

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

Naketa

American · English

Nakela

American · gift of God

Yakema

American · to express one’s

Lakema

American · A beloved name

Jakema

American · derived from James

Nakeya

American · No meaning found;

Nahema

Hebrew · Pleasantness

Naema

Arabic · Arabic

Common questions about the name Nakema

What does the name Nakema mean?

Nakema means "the one who builds" — a name rooted in American 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 Nakema?

Nakema 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 Nakema?

Nakema originates from American tradition. American 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 Nakema?

Nakema is a three-syllable name pronounced N AA1 K EH1 M AA1. 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 Nakema?

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