Emmamae is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is derived from the name Emma, which has its roots in Germanic languages and means "universal" or "whole." However, Emmamae is not simply a variation of Emma; it has its own distinct identity and history.
The name Emmamae was popularized by renowned author Zora Neale Hurston, who used it as the given name for one of her characters in her 1937 novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." The character, Emmamae Mosely, is a wise, strong-willed woman who serves as a mentor and guide to the novel's protagonist, Janie Crawford. Through this character, Hurston explores themes of femininity, strength, and self-discovery.
Emmamae is often associated with the Southern African American experience and the Harlem Renaissance, the cultural movement that flourished during the 1920s in which Hurston played a significant role. As such, it carries a rich historical and cultural significance.
In recent years, Emmamae has seen a resurgence in popularity as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. While it remains relatively rare, its distinctiveness and powerful associations make it an attractive choice for those looking for something special. Ultimately, the name Emmamae embodies strength, wisdom, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire and captivate.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe that Emmamae has been a relatively uncommon name for newborn girls in the United States over the past two decades.
From 2004 to 2022, there were a total of 123 babies named Emmamae born in the U.S. The number of births varied from year to year, with peaks occurring in 2012 and 2015 (both with 15 births), indicating that these years might have been particularly popular for this name.
However, there were also several years where only a few babies named Emmamae were born: 6 births in both 2004 and 2008; 10 births in 2009; 7 or fewer births between 2010 to 2017 and again from 2019 to 2022.
This data shows that while Emmamae is not a highly popular name, it has still been chosen for some newborn girls each year. Parents may appreciate the uniqueness of this name, as evidenced by its consistent, albeit low-level, presence over time.