Find out how popular the first name Lema has been for the last 16 years (from 2007 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lema by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lema.

The history of the first name Lema

The name Lema has its roots in several cultures and languages across the world. It is believed to have originated in Africa, where it may have derived from the Swahili word "lema" meaning "to speak" or "to utter." Alternatively, it could also trace its origins to the Greek word "lema" which means "an assumption" or "a premise."

In Ethiopia, the name Lema is commonly used and has been documented in historical records dating back to the 16th century. It is thought to have been derived from the Amharic word "leman" which means "resilient" or "steadfast." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Kebra Nagast, an important literary work from the 14th century that chronicles the lineage of the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia.

Another possible origin of the name Lema can be traced to India, where it may have been derived from the Sanskrit word "lema" meaning "border" or "limit." In some regions of India, the name is also associated with the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lema. One such figure was Lema Habte-Mikael (c. 1768-1825), an Ethiopian military leader and nobleman who played a significant role in the conflicts against the Adal Sultanate in the early 19th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Lema Belai (c. 1870-1955), an Ethiopian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1920s and 1930s.

In the realm of literature, Lema Hawi (1923-1992) was an Eritrean writer and poet whose works explored themes of nationalism and resistance against colonial rule. His collection of poems, "Khaki Nebri," published in 1950, is considered a seminal work in Eritrean literature.

Lema Konda (c. 1920-2000) was a renowned artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known for his intricate woodcarvings that depicted scenes from daily life and traditional folklore.

Lastly, Lema Kadi (born c. 1970) is a contemporary Sudanese writer and activist, whose works have focused on women's rights and social justice issues in her home country.

These examples highlight the rich cultural diversity and historical significance associated with the name Lema across various regions and time periods.

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

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

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