Find out how popular the first name Yamara has been for the last 15 years (from 2008 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yamara by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Yamara is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yamara.

The history of the first name Yamara

The given name Yamara has its origins in the Arawak language, spoken by indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and parts of South America. It dates back to the pre-Columbian era, before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. The name is derived from the Arawak word "yamaru," which means "river."

In the Arawak culture, rivers held great significance as sources of life and sustenance. Naming a child Yamara was believed to bestow upon them the nurturing and life-giving qualities associated with rivers. The name was popular among various Arawak tribes, particularly those inhabiting the islands of the Caribbean.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yamara can be found in the writings of Spanish explorer and chronicler Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, who documented his encounters with indigenous peoples in the early 16th century. He mentions a powerful Arawak chieftain named Yamara, who ruled over a territory in what is now the Dominican Republic.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Yamara. Among them is Yamara, a renowned Taíno cacique (chief) from the island of Boriken (present-day Puerto Rico), who led resistance efforts against Spanish colonization in the early 16th century. Another figure is Yamara Hernández (1935-2010), a celebrated Cuban singer and songwriter known for her contributions to the Nueva Trova movement.

In the realm of literature, Yamara is the title character of a novel by Brazilian author José de Alencar, published in 1857. The novel depicts the life of an indigenous woman and her struggles against colonial oppression. Additionally, Yamara Ruíz (1948-2019) was a prominent Venezuelan artist and sculptor, renowned for her works reflecting indigenous themes and traditions.

It is also worth noting that Yamara was the name of a powerful Arawak chief who ruled over parts of present-day Guyana in the early 16th century, as recorded by Spanish explorers of the time. His legacy and resistance against Spanish colonization have been celebrated in Guyanese folklore and historical accounts.

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

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

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