Find out how popular the first name Damani has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Damani by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Damani is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 80% of people named Damani being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 male babies and 24 female babies born with the name Damani.

The history of the first name Damani

The name Damani is of African origin, specifically from the Swahili language spoken in parts of East Africa. It is believed to have emerged during the 17th or 18th century when Swahili culture was flourishing along the coastal regions of present-day Kenya and Tanzania.

Damani is derived from the Swahili word "amani," which means "peace" or "tranquility." The prefix "da" is often used in Swahili to denote a person who possesses or embodies a particular quality or characteristic. Thus, the name Damani can be interpreted as "one who brings or embodies peace."

While the name does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its association with the concept of peace aligns with the principles of many spiritual and philosophical traditions across Africa and beyond.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Damani can be traced back to the late 18th century, when it was used by members of the Swahili community in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya. However, it was not until the 20th century that the name gained wider popularity, both within Africa and among the African diaspora in other parts of the world.

Notable historical figures with the name Damani include:

1. Damani Denzel, a Ghanaian musician and songwriter born in 1976, known for his contributions to the Ghanaian hiplife genre.

2. Damani Johnson, an American professional basketball player born in 1990, who played in various leagues including the NBA G League.

3. Damani Baker, an American author and motivational speaker born in 1977, known for his work on personal development and self-improvement.

4. Damani Phillips, an American visual artist and painter born in 1982, known for her vibrant and expressive abstract works.

5. Damani Lemore, an American football player born in 1988, who played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) from 2010 to 2014.

The name Damani has remained popular among various African communities and has also gained recognition globally, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage and values associated with its meaning of peace and tranquility.

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

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

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