The name Kemi is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin. It is derived from the word "Omo-Kemi," which means "birth has made it possible." This name is traditionally given to girls and celebrates the joy of childbirth.
The history behind the name Kemi is rooted in the Yoruba culture's belief in reincarnation. They believe that when a child is born, they are a reincarnation of an ancestor who has come back to life through birth. Thus, the name Kemi signifies gratitude for the gift of life and the continuation of the family line.
The name Kemi has gained popularity beyond its African roots due to its unique sound and meaning. It has been adopted by people around the world as a beautiful and meaningful name for girls. Despite its growing international recognition, the name Kemi remains deeply connected to its Yoruba heritage and the cultural significance it holds within that community.
In summary, the name Kemi is a Yoruba girl's name meaning "birth has made it possible." It celebrates the joy of childbirth and expresses gratitude for the gift of life. With its unique sound and meaningful origin, Kemi has become an attractive choice for parents around the world looking for a beautiful and significant name for their daughters.
The name Kemi has seen a varied but steady presence in the United States over the past few decades. Between 1961 and 2023, there have been a total of 366 births registered with the name Kemi.
The earliest records show that the name was given to five babies in 1961. The following year saw an increase, with six newborns named Kemi. This trend continued into 1965, with another six girls being given this name.
In the 1970s, the number of births with the name Kemi fluctuated. There were five in 1970, eight in 1971, and six in 1972. However, there was a significant increase in 1977 with twelve births, followed by sixteen in 1978. This high was not sustained, with only five births each in 1979 and 1980.
The 1980s saw some fluctuation but generally an upward trend. There were seven births in 1983, eight in 1984, and ten in 1986. The decade ended with eleven births in 1991 and thirteen in 1992.
The 1990s continued this upward trajectory, with nine births in 2000 and seven in 2001. There was a slight dip to six births in 2004 but this was followed by increases to ten in 2007 and seven in 2010.
The most recent data shows that there were five births with the name Kemi in 2014, increasing to ten in 2015. There were seventeen births in 2022 and eleven in 2023, indicating a continued popularity for this name.
Overall, while the number of babies named Kemi has varied over the years, there has been a consistent presence of this name in the United States since at least the 1960s. The most recent data suggests that it is currently one of the more popular names for newborn girls.