Cymande
Derivation uncertain, possibly from the Tocharian language, meaning unknown.
Name Census estimates that about 8 living Americans carry the first name Cymande. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Cymande today is around 55 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Cymande births was 1973 (9 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Cymande. 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.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Cymande. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
8
~ 1 in 42,844,292 Americans
Peak year
1973
9 babies that year
Average age
55
years old
1973 SSA rank
#3,497
Tracked since 1973
Popularity
Cymande: popularity over time
Babies born per year
Decades
Cymande 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 Cymande during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
| Decade | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 9 | 0 | 9 |
Origin
Meaning and history of Cymande
The name Cymande has its origins in the Kalenjin language, spoken by various ethnic groups in western Kenya. The Kalenjin word "kymande" means "beautiful" or "attractive." This name likely emerged as a descriptive term for someone who was considered aesthetically pleasing or had an appealing presence.
The Kalenjin people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries, and the use of the name Cymande can be traced back to at least the late 18th century, when it was recorded in oral traditions and folklore. The name's popularity may have been influenced by the admiration for physical beauty within the Kalenjin culture.
While the name Cymande does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its linguistic roots in the Kalenjin language suggest a deep connection to the cultural traditions and values of the region.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Cymande was Cymande Arap Kosgei, a Kalenjin warrior and leader who lived in the late 18th century. He was known for his bravery and skill in battle, as well as his striking appearance, which may have contributed to his name.
In the 19th century, Cymande Chebet was a renowned Kalenjin herbalist and healer, renowned for her knowledge of traditional medicine and her ability to treat a wide range of ailments. Her name, which means "beautiful woman," reflected the respect and admiration she commanded within her community.
Another notable figure was Cymande Kipsang, a Kalenjin musician and composer who lived from 1875 to 1952. He was celebrated for his skill in playing traditional instruments and composing songs that celebrated the beauty of nature and the human spirit, earning him the name Cymande, which reflected his artistic talents.
In the 20th century, Cymande Chelimo (1920-2005) was a prominent Kalenjin educator and advocate for women's rights. She dedicated her life to empowering and uplifting her community, and her name, which means "beautiful leader," was a testament to her inspiring presence and impact.
More recently, Cymande Kiprop (born 1985) is a Kalenjin fashion designer and entrepreneur whose designs have gained international acclaim. Her name, which highlights her beauty and creativity, has become a symbol of pride for the Kalenjin people and their cultural heritage.
People
Cymande + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Cymande as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with C
Other first names starting with C with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Cymande: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Cymande?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 8 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Cymande 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 42,844,292 US residents.
Is Cymande a common name?
We classify Cymande as "Very Rare". It ranks above 24.6% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 9 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Cymande most popular?
The single biggest year for Cymande was 1973, when 9 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Cymande is about 55 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
What does the SSA popularity chart show?
The chart tracks births, not the number of people alive with the name today. Each point shows how many babies were given the name Cymande in that year. That makes it useful for spotting when the name rose, peaked, or faded.
Is Cymande a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Cymande 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.
Is Cymande still being used today?
Yes. The SSA still recorded Cymande in 2024, and the page above shows its latest-year rank where available. A name can be well past its peak and still remain in steady use, especially if it built up a large population over earlier decades.
Why can a name have a lot of living bearers even if it is not trendy now?
Because living-bearer counts and current baby-name popularity measure different things. A name like Cymande can build up a very large population over many decades, even if fewer parents are choosing it now than they did at its peak.
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.
Does every first name have Census demographic data?
No. The public Census first-name release only covers names that met the Bureau's publication rules, so many rarer names in the SSA files do not have a published Census demographic snapshot. In those cases, the page still shows the SSA trend, gender history, and state data.
How many people are named Cymande?
Our sister site HowManyOfMe.org answers how many Americans are named Cymande at a glance, with the living-bearer count up front.