Find out how popular the first name Zemi has been for the last 4 years (from 2019 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zemi by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Zemi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 68% of people named Zemi being female.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Zemi.

It's also interesting to see that despite Zemi being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2022 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Zemi.

The history of the first name Zemi

The name Zemi is believed to have its origins in the indigenous Taíno language of the Caribbean, which was spoken by the Taíno people who inhabited the islands of the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and northern Lesser Antilles prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century. The word "zemi" referred to the carved stone or wooden figurines that represented various deities and spirits worshipped by the Taíno people.

While the exact etymology of the name is unclear, it is thought to be derived from the Taíno word "cemí," which means "sacred" or "revered." This suggests that the name Zemi may have been associated with religious or spiritual significance in the Taíno culture.

The earliest recorded use of the name Zemi dates back to the late 15th century, when Spanish explorers and conquistadors encountered the Taíno people and documented their customs and beliefs. One notable figure in this regard was Fray Ramón Pané, a Catalan friar who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. Pané wrote extensively about the Taíno religion and mentioned the "zemis" as sacred objects of worship.

In more recent times, the name Zemi has been adopted by individuals of various backgrounds, often as a way to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean region. For example, Zemi Zemi, born in 1940, is a renowned Haitian painter and sculptor whose works celebrate the vibrant colors and symbols of his native culture.

Another notable figure is Zemi Nawe, a Nigerian-born artist and activist who has used her art to raise awareness about social and environmental issues. Nawe, born in 1964, often incorporates traditional African motifs and symbols into her work, drawing inspiration from her cultural roots.

Zemi Cruz, born in 1991, is a Puerto Rican professional boxer who has held several regional and international titles. His name serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Taíno people in the Caribbean.

Additionally, Zemi Houshmand, born in 1980, is an Iranian-American writer and artist whose work explores themes of identity, displacement, and cross-cultural experiences.

While the name Zemi is not as common as some other names, it has left an indelible mark on history, serving as a connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and the legacy of the Taíno people. Its spiritual connotations and association with sacred objects make it a unique and meaningful choice for those seeking to honor their roots or embrace a sense of reverence for the natural world.

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

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

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