Asmara
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 167 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
The capital city of Eritrea.
Asmara is a girl's baby name with Eritrean and Arabic roots, derived from the Arabic asmara meaning 'the women who unite at night' — referring to a traditional celebration. Asmara is also the capital city of Eritrea, a city of striking Italian colonial-era architecture.
As a name, Asmara has a lyrical, exotic quality that appeals to parents of Eritrean, Ethiopian, and East African heritage. Its connection to a proud capital city gives it a sense of place and cultural identity.
EtymologyShow more
Asmara is cataloged under the Arabic naming tradition. Arabic names frequently carry layered meanings tied to virtue, beauty, or devotion — a naming tradition where the meaning of a name is considered deeply important.
In the U.S., Asmara has been recorded as a girl's name since 1993, with 167 total births. Browse the Arabic names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Asmara has 19+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1993.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 44 | #9954 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 82 | #10987 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 25 | #14832 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 16 | #13412 | — |
The Story of Asmara
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Asmara is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Asmara are most likely born between 2008 and 2024.
How rare is Asmara?
Only about 1 in every 300,000 babies born in 2024 was named Asmara — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1993, peaked in the 2010s with 82 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Asmara by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(19 years, 1993–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | #8477 |
| 2023 | 12 | #8528 |
| 2021 | 5 | #15546 |
| 2020 | 15 | #7264 |
| 2019 | 16 | #7059 |
| 2018 | 16 | #7139 |
| 2017 | 8 | #11768 |
| 2016 | 5 | #16550 |
| 2014 | 8 | #12085 |
| 2013 | 13 | #8634 |
| 2012 | 8 | #12351 |
| 2011 | 8 | #12312 |
| 2009 | 5 | #17637 |
| 2008 | 7 | #14021 |
| 2007 | 6 | #15733 |
| 2000 | 7 | #11938 |
| 1999 | 5 | #14641 |
| 1995 | 6 | #11941 |
| 1993 | 5 | #13654 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asmara a boy's or girl's name?
When was Asmara most popular?
How popular is the name Asmara?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1993–2024