Find out how popular the first name Chimamanda has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chimamanda by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Chimamanda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 33 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chimamanda.

The history of the first name Chimamanda

The name Chimamanda originated from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. It is a compound name formed by combining the words "Chi" meaning "God" and "mamanda" meaning "beautiful thing." Therefore, the name Chimamanda translates to "God's beautiful thing" or "beautiful thing of God."

The earliest recorded use of the name Chimamanda dates back to the 19th century in the Igbo region of Nigeria. It was a popular name among the Igbo people, reflecting their cultural values and beliefs. The name was often given to children as a way of expressing gratitude to God for the gift of a beautiful child.

In the early 20th century, the name Chimamanda gained wider recognition outside the Igbo community. One of the earliest notable people to bear this name was Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian writer and feminist born in 1977. She is renowned for her novels, including "Purple Hibiscus," "Half of a Yellow Sun," and "Americanah," which explore themes of identity, race, and gender.

Another prominent figure named Chimamanda was Chimamanda Nnabuife, a Nigerian actress and broadcaster. She was born in 1942 and gained fame for her roles in numerous Nigerian films and television shows, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

In the realm of politics, Chimamanda Ngozi Uche was a Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003. She was born in 1950 and played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria's foreign policy during her tenure.

The name Chimamanda has also been associated with notable scholars and intellectuals. Chimamanda Ngozi Okoye, born in 1965, is a Nigerian academic and author who has written extensively on African literature and cultural studies.

While the name Chimamanda is predominantly used in Nigeria, it has gained global recognition due to the international success of notable individuals bearing this name. Its meaning and cultural significance continue to resonate with people around the world, serving as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the Igbo language and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chimamanda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chimamanda, please contact us.

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