What does Yemaya mean and where does it come from?
Yemaya is a deity in the Yoruba religion, often associated with motherhood, the sea, and fertility. She is especially venerated in Cuban Santería and is considered the goddess of the sea and rivers. Yemaya is often depicted as a nurturing figure. The name is popular in Afro-Caribbean cultures and is
Cultural significance
Yemaya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigeria-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mother of waters..
Peak popularity
Reached #3790 in 2020 — currently #2974 in the US.
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Related Reading
Nigeria-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yemaya?
Yemaya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yemaya Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yemaya Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yemaya Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yemaya Claire
French influence · crisp
Yemaya Jane
Literary · strong
Yemaya Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yemaya right now?
Rising fast — up 300 spots — currently #2974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2974 | 57 | ▲ up 300 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #3274 | 50 | ▲ up 61 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #3335 | 48 | ▲ up 455 · +26% births |
| 2020 | #3790 | 38 | ▲ up 3055 · +111% births |
| 2015 | #6845 | 18 | ▲ up 3996 · +80% births |
| 2010 | #10841 | 10 | ▲ up 1585 · +25% births |
| 2005 | #12426 | 8 | ▲ up 3958 · +60% births |
| 2000 | #16384 | 5 | — |
The story of Yemaya
Yemaya is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 260 total births recorded, Yemaya remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16384 in 2000 to #2974 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yemaya in 2020:
Yemaya by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 2000s | 47 | |
| 2010s ★ | 152 | |
| 2020s | 38 | |
💎Yemaya has only 260 total recorded births since 1991 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yemaya?
What names sound and feel like Yemaya?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yemaya also consider these
Common questions about the name Yemaya
What does the name Yemaya mean?
Yemaya means "Mother of waters." — 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 Yemaya?
Yemaya is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yemaya have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yemaya?
Yemaya 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 Yemaya?
Yemaya is a three-syllable name pronounced Y EH1 M AY1 AH0. 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 Yemaya?
Yemaya pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Nigeria heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.