Find out how popular the first name Somalia has been for the last 31 years (from 1977 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Somalia by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Somalia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Somalia.

The history of the first name Somalia

The name Somalia is a relatively modern name that first emerged in the late 19th century. It is believed to be derived from the name of the East African country, Somalia, which itself is thought to come from the Arabic word "somal," meaning "desert." The name is not found in any ancient texts or historical records prior to the 19th century.

The earliest recorded use of the name Somalia dates back to the late 1800s, during the period of European colonization of Africa. As European powers sought to establish control over the region, the name Somalia began to be used to refer to the area that now makes up the modern nation of Somalia. It is possible that the name was first used as a given name for children born in this region during this time period.

While the name Somalia is not particularly common, there are a few notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Somalia was Somalia Dandan, a Somali woman who lived in the early 20th century and was known for her work as a traditional healer and midwife.

Another notable individual with the name Somalia was Somalia Bashir, a Somali politician who was born in 1936 and served as the first female member of the Somali National Assembly in the 1960s.

In the world of literature, Somalia Seaton is a contemporary Somali-American writer and poet who has published several works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the Somali diaspora experience.

Somalia Noor is a Somali-American activist and community organizer who has been involved in efforts to promote educational opportunities and social services for Somali immigrants in the United States.

Finally, Somalia Jagir was a Somali artist and sculptor who lived in the mid-20th century and was known for her works that celebrated traditional Somali culture and craftsmanship.

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

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

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