Nehemiah is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible, where it appears as one of the names of several individuals in the lineage of King David.
The name Nehemiah is derived from two Hebrew words: "nehama," which means "comfort," and "yah," a shortened form of "Yahweh," meaning "the Lord." Therefore, the literal translation of Nehemiah is "Yahweh comforts" or "Comforted by Yahweh."
The most notable figure bearing this name in the Bible is Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia. After learning that the walls of Jerusalem had been torn down and its gates burned with fire, Nehemiah felt compelled to help rebuild his homeland. He requested permission from the king to return to Judah and lead the reconstruction efforts, which he successfully accomplished despite facing opposition from local enemies.
Throughout history, the name Nehemiah has been associated with strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child, carrying with it the rich heritage and inspiring story of its biblical namesake.
The name Nehemiah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States, with a notable spike in recent years. From just 7 births in 1886, it steadily increased to reach its first peak of 22 births in 1923 and 1924. After fluctuating between single digits and teens throughout the late 1920s and 1930s, Nehemiah's popularity began to rise again in the mid-1940s, reaching a new peak of 23 births in 1953.
However, it was not until the late 1970s that Nehemiah truly gained significant traction. In 1979, there were 62 births, and this number continued to climb through the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a new peak of 931 births in 2010. This popularity has been maintained, with over 800 births each year between 2006 and 2022, except for a slight dip to 762 in 2021.
In total, since 1886 until the end of 2022, there have been 20,292 babies named Nehemiah born in the United States. This consistent increase in popularity over time indicates that the name Nehemiah has become an established and beloved choice among parents in recent years.