Find out how popular the first name Nehemiyah has been for the last 8 years (from 2014 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nehemiyah by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Nehemiyah is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nehemiyah.

The history of the first name Nehemiyah

The given name Nehemiyah finds its origins in the Hebrew language. It is a variant spelling of the biblical name Nehemiah, which translates to "comforted by God" or "the Lord comforts." The name's roots can be traced back to the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Nehemiah, where the name is associated with the historical figure of Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes I in the 5th century BCE.

Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah, is remembered as a prominent figure in Jewish history who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The Book of Nehemiah, which bears his name, chronicles his efforts in leading the reconstruction and fortification of the city, as well as his role in reviving the observance of religious laws among the Jewish people.

The earliest recorded use of the name Nehemiyah or its variant spellings can be found in ancient Hebrew texts, such as the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and various Jewish literary works from antiquity. Over the centuries, the name has been carried by several notable individuals, including:

1. Nehemiah ben Hushiel (c. 1035-1105 CE), a prominent Jewish scholar and rabbi from Catalonia, Spain, known for his contributions to biblical exegesis and Talmudic studies.

2. Nehemiah Hayun (c. 1623-1690), a renowned Yemenite Jewish scholar and poet who authored numerous works on Jewish law and liturgy.

3. Nehemiah Hiez (c. 1719-1787), a Dutch Jewish author and playwright who wrote several plays and literary works in both Hebrew and Dutch.

4. Nehemiah Brüll (1843-1891), a Hungarian Jewish scholar and rabbi who made significant contributions to the study of Jewish history and literature.

5. Nehemiah Persoff (1919-2022), an American actor of Ukrainian-Jewish descent, known for his roles in various films and television shows throughout his long career spanning seven decades.

While the name Nehemiyah has its roots in ancient Hebrew scriptures and Jewish history, it has also been adopted by individuals from various cultural backgrounds, transcending linguistic and religious boundaries. The name's enduring presence serves as a testament to the richness of cultural heritage and the timeless appeal of names with profound historical significance.

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

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

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