Rehema is a unique and beautiful name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili language, which is widely spoken in East Africa. In Swahili, "rehema" means "mercy" or "compassion". This name has a profound meaning that reflects kindness, forgiveness, and understanding.
The name Rehema is not extensively documented in historical records, but it has been used among the Swahili-speaking communities for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the coastal region of East Africa, where the Swahili culture has flourished since ancient times. The name may have been given to children as a wish or prayer for them to be blessed with compassion and mercy throughout their lives.
In recent years, Rehema has gained popularity outside of its traditional African roots. As global cultures become more interconnected through travel and media, unique names like Rehema are being embraced by families around the world who appreciate their meaning and beauty.
Overall, the name Rehema is a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with deep spiritual significance. Its origins in Swahili culture add an exotic touch, while its universal message of mercy makes it universally appealing.
The name Rehema has seen a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The earliest record of its usage dates back to 1995, with six newborn girls being named Rehema that year.
Between 1995 and 2006, the name's popularity remained relatively stable, with an average of five or six births per year. However, starting in 2007, there was a noticeable increase in its usage, with eight births recorded that year. This trend continued through 2011, with a peak of nine births each year during this period.
After a brief dip in popularity between 2014 and 2015 (with only seven or five births recorded respectively), the name Rehema experienced another surge in usage starting from 2016. The years 2017 and 2019 saw particularly high numbers, with fourteen and twelve births respectively. This recent trend of popularity has continued into the current decade, with nineteen births recorded in 2023 alone.
Overall, since its first appearance in 1995 until 2023, a total of one hundred seventy-four girls have been named Rehema in the United States. This data demonstrates the consistent and growing appeal of this unique name among American parents over time.