Find out how popular the first name Chineme has been for the last 1 years (from 1998 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chineme by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Chineme is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chineme.

The history of the first name Chineme

The given name Chineme originates from the Igbo language, which is spoken primarily in southeastern Nigeria. The name is derived from the Igbo word "chi," meaning "God" or "supreme being," and "neme," meaning "mine" or "my own." Therefore, the name Chineme can be translated to mean "my own God" or "my personal God."

The Igbo people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back several centuries. Their belief system revolves around the worship of a supreme deity, often referred to as "Chukwu" or "Chineke," which translates to "the great God." The name Chineme reflects this deep-rooted belief in a personal relationship with the divine.

While the exact origin of the name Chineme is difficult to pinpoint, it is believed to have been in use among the Igbo people for generations. The name is often given to children as a way of expressing gratitude to the supreme being for the gift of life and as a reminder of the child's sacred connection to the divine.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chineme can be found in the writings of Olaudah Equiano, a prominent Igbo author and abolitionist who lived in the 18th century. In his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," he mentions encountering individuals with the name Chineme during his time in Igboland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chineme. One such person is Chineme Okafor (1934-2020), a renowned Nigerian author and playwright who wrote extensively about the Igbo culture and traditions. Her works, including plays like "Nne Nne" and "Obele," have been widely acclaimed for their literary merit and cultural significance.

Another notable figure is Chineme Nwilikit (born 1958), a Nigerian academic and writer who has authored several books on African literature and cultural studies. Her work has focused on exploring the intersections of gender, race, and identity in African societies.

In the realm of sports, Chineme Okoronkwo (born 1987) is a Nigerian-American football player who has played in the National Football League (NFL) for teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the Houston Texans.

Chineme Chiezik (born 1975) is a Nigerian-American lawyer and legal scholar who has served as a professor at various prestigious universities, including the University of Virginia School of Law.

Lastly, Chineme Obikili (born 1980) is a Nigerian artist and sculptor known for his intricate wood carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of Igbo culture and mythology.

While these are just a few examples, the name Chineme has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions throughout history, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of this Igbo name.

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 Chineme was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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