Find out how popular the first name Kemi has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kemi by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kemi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kemi.

The history of the first name Kemi

The name Kemi is of Finnish origin, derived from the Finnish word "kemiö," which means "island" or "islet." It can also be traced back to the Swedish word "keminge," meaning "islet dweller." The name has its roots in the geographical landscape of Finland, with its numerous islands and archipelagos dotting the coastline.

Kemi gained prominence in the medieval period when it was used to identify individuals residing on the islands or coastal regions of Finland. Historical records from the 13th and 14th centuries mention individuals bearing the name Kemi, often indicating their place of origin or residence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kemi can be found in the Porvoo Cathedral registers from the late 15th century, where a woman named Kemi Andersdotter is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already in use during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kemi. One such figure was Kemi Karhunen (1915-1992), a renowned Finnish artist known for her vibrant landscapes and depictions of the Finnish countryside. Her works captured the essence of the Finnish landscape and earned her widespread recognition.

Another noteworthy individual was Kemi Räisänen (1901-1976), a Finnish long-distance runner who competed in the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics. Räisänen won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters event at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, cementing his place in Finnish sporting history.

In the field of literature, Kemi Hakavuori (1927-2003) was a celebrated Finnish author and playwright. Her works explored themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of human existence, earning her critical acclaim and numerous literary awards.

Kemi Bassil (born 1992) is a contemporary Lebanese-Finnish artist and filmmaker. Her multimedia installations and experimental films have been exhibited globally, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and cross-cultural narratives.

Lastly, Kemi Seba (born 1981) is a French activist and political figure of Beninese descent. He is known for his advocacy for Pan-Africanism and his efforts to raise awareness about issues affecting the African diaspora and the continent.

While the name Kemi has its origins in Finnish culture and geography, it has transcended geographical boundaries and gained recognition across various fields, reflecting the diverse individuals who have borne this name throughout history.

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

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

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