Find out how popular the first name Rhema has been for the last 44 years (from 1981 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rhema by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Rhema is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Rhema being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 92 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Rhema.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby boys were named Rhema in 2024, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Rhema

The name Rhema originates from the Greek language and is derived from the word "rhema," which means "an utterance" or "a spoken word." This name has its roots in ancient Greek culture and can be traced back to the 1st century CE.

Rhema is a name with strong religious connotations in Christianity. It is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Romans, where the apostle Paul uses the term "rhema" to refer to the spoken word of God. This association with the divine word has given the name a spiritual significance.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Rhema can be found in the writings of the early Christian theologian and scholar, Origen (185-254 CE). He used the term "rhema" extensively in his works, further cementing its connection to Christian theology.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Rhema. One of the most famous was Rhema of Caesarea (c. 312-335 CE), a Christian martyr who was executed for her faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximinus II. Her unwavering devotion to Christianity and her willingness to sacrifice her life for her beliefs made her a revered figure in early Christian history.

Another prominent figure with the name Rhema was the 6th-century Byzantine scholar and philosopher, Rhema of Alexandria. He was renowned for his contributions to the fields of logic and metaphysics, and his works were widely studied in the Byzantine Empire.

In the Middle Ages, Rhema was the name of a nun who lived in the 12th century. She is known for her spiritual writings and her unwavering commitment to the monastic life. Her works, which focused on the contemplative aspects of Christianity, were widely read and influential among religious communities of the time.

In more recent times, Rhema was the name of a 19th-century African-American woman, Rhema Sutton (1818-1892), who was a prominent educator and activist in the fight for equal rights. She founded one of the first schools for African-American children in Pennsylvania and was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery.

Another notable individual with the name Rhema was Rhema Marvanne (1888-1965), a British actress and singer who enjoyed a successful career on the stage and in early films during the early 20th century. She was known for her performances in Shakespearean plays and her skills as a vocalist.

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

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

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