Bomani
A masculine given name of Swahili origin meaning "Almighty" or "Supreme One".
Name Census estimates that about 174 living Americans carry the first name Bomani. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Bomani today is around 22 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Bomani births was 2020 (12 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Bomani. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
174
~ 1 in 1,969,853 Americans
Peak year
2020
12 babies that year
Average age
22
years old
2024 SSA rank
#11,094
Tracked since 1974
Popularity
Bomani: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Bomani from the 1970s through to the 2020s, spanning 6 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1990s, with 54 total registrations. The name continues to be given at rates close to its all-time high, suggesting it has not yet fallen out of fashion.
Babies born per year
Decades
Bomani by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Bomani during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Bomani
The name Bomani has its origins in the Kiswahili language, which is spoken primarily in East Africa. It is believed to have emerged in the 19th century or earlier, although its precise origin is uncertain. The name is derived from the Kiswahili word "umane," which means "understanding" or "knowledge."
In its earliest recorded uses, the name Bomani was associated with individuals who were regarded as wise, learned, or possessing deep understanding. It was often given to scholars, philosophers, and those who pursued intellectual pursuits. The name carried a connotation of respect and admiration for those who sought knowledge and insight.
One of the earliest documented references to the name Bomani can be found in the writings of the 19th-century Swahili poet and scholar, Muhammed bin Abubakr al-Qadiri. In his work, he mentions a learned individual named Bomani, who was renowned for his wisdom and mastery of various disciplines.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bomani. One of the most prominent was Bomani Mughogho, a Tanzanian politician and diplomat who served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1960s. He played a crucial role in shaping Tanzania's foreign policy during its early years as an independent nation.
Another significant figure was Bomani Mwakisambwe, a 20th-century Kenyan writer and activist who advocated for the rights of marginalized communities. His works shed light on the struggles and experiences of the Maasai people, and he was recognized for his contributions to preserving their cultural heritage.
In the realm of sports, Bomani Jones, an American sports journalist and commentator, has gained recognition for his insightful analysis and commentary on various sports platforms. He has been a prominent voice in discussions surrounding race, culture, and societal issues within the world of sports.
Additionally, Bomani Asrat, an Ethiopian-American artist and photographer, has gained acclaim for his captivating and thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the human experience.
Throughout its history, the name Bomani has carried a sense of intellectual curiosity, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for knowledge and understanding. It has been bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and societies.
People
Bomani + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Bomani as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with B
Other first names starting with B with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Bomani: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Bomani?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 174 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Bomani going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 1,969,853 US residents.
Is Bomani a common name?
We classify Bomani as "Very Rare". It ranks above 72.3% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 178 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Bomani most popular?
The single biggest year for Bomani was 2020, when 12 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Bomani is about 22 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Bomani a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Bomani in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.