What does Nemesis mean and where does it come from?
In Greek mythology, Nemesis is the goddess of retribution and vengeance, who enacts punishment on those who succumb to hubris. This name embodies the concept of divine retribution and is often associated with the idea of balance and justice. The name has been used in various cultural contexts and li
Cultural significance
Nemesis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #6606 in 1996 — currently #14654 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Nemesis?
Nemesis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nemesis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nemesis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nemesis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Nemesis Claire
French influence · crisp
Nemesis Jane
Literary · strong
Nemesis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nemesis right now?
Rising fast — up 908 spots — currently #14654 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #14654 | 6 | ▲ up 908 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #15562 | 5 | ▼ down 3387 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #12175 | 8 | ▲ up 2975 · +33% births |
| 2005 | #15150 | 6 | ▼ down 2803 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #12347 | 7 | ▲ up 1999 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #14346 | 5 | ▼ down 7168 · -58% births |
| 1990 | #7178 | 12 | — |
The story of Nemesis
Nemesis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 160 total births recorded, Nemesis remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7178 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14654 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nemesis in 1996:
Nemesis by decade
Nemesis peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1990s ★ | 85 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s | 20 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Nemesis has only 160 total recorded births since 1979 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nemesis?
What names sound and feel like Nemesis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nemesis also consider these
How is Nemesis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Nemesis
What does the name Nemesis mean?
Nemesis means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Nemesis?
Nemesis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nemesis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Nemesis?
Nemesis originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Nemesis?
Nemesis is a three-syllable name pronounced N EH1 M AH0 S IH0 S. 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 Nemesis?
Nemesis pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.