Find out how popular the first name Sumeja has been for the last 7 years (from 2009 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sumeja by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Sumeja is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sumeja.

The history of the first name Sumeja

The name Sumeja is believed to have originated in the Slavic languages, particularly in the Bosnian and Croatian regions of the Balkans. It is derived from the Proto-Slavic root "sum," which means "doubt" or "hesitation." The name may have been given to children born in times of uncertainty or to those whose arrival was met with initial hesitation or doubt.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sumeja can be traced back to the 14th century, when it appeared in historical records from the Bosnian Kingdom. During this period, the name was associated with nobility and was borne by several members of the ruling class.

In the 16th century, the name Sumeja gained prominence in Ottoman-ruled Bosnia, where it was adopted by Muslims and became a popular choice among the local population. Historical records from this era mention several notable figures bearing the name, including Sumeja Mehmedović, a respected scholar and poet who lived in Sarajevo in the late 1500s.

As the name spread throughout the Balkans, it also found its way into the oral traditions and folk tales of the region. In some folk stories, Sumeja is depicted as a courageous and independent woman who defies societal norms and overcomes adversity.

Throughout history, several noteworthy individuals have borne the name Sumeja:

1. Sumeja Bajrović (1913-1988), a Bosnian writer and activist who fought for women's rights and education in the former Yugoslavia.
2. Sumeja Čedić (1919-2004), a Bosnian ceramist and artist renowned for her intricate pottery designs and contributions to preserving traditional Bosnian arts and crafts.
3. Sumeja Smajić (1924-2018), a Bosnian educator and philanthropist who established several schools and educational initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
4. Sumeja Begović (1941-2012), a renowned Bosnian actress and theater director who starred in numerous plays and films throughout her career.
5. Sumeja Vilić (born 1976), a Bosnian author and journalist known for her literary works that explore themes of identity, displacement, and the Bosnian War experience.

While the name Sumeja has its roots in the Slavic languages and cultures of the Balkans, it has also gained popularity among various communities around the world due to migration and cultural exchange. However, its historical significance and cultural associations remain deeply rooted in the region where it originated.

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

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

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