Okema
A girl's name of African origin with 71 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Okema is a three-syllable girl's name with a open, warm sound — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. With only 71 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Okema is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Okema is a girl's baby name of African origin, used in Ugandan and East African contexts, from the Luo or Acholi language meaning 'first born after twins' or connected to the tradition of naming children according to their birth circumstances — a practice central to many East African naming traditions.
Okema carries a specific, meaningful story — it is a name that locates the child precisely within the family's narrative. For Ugandan and East African diaspora families, it is a name that honors cultural naming tradition while carrying a meaning that is deeply personal and circumstantially rooted.
EtymologyShow more
Okema is cataloged under the African naming tradition. African naming traditions are extraordinarily diverse, often tying a child’s name to circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or spiritual significance.
In the U.S., Okema has been recorded as a girl's name since 1973, with 71 total births. Browse the African names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Okema has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1973.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 71 | — |
The Story of Okema
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1975, Okema is a Gen X staple. Girls named Okema are most likely born between 1973 and 1979.
How rare is Okema?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Okema is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1973, peaked in the 1970s with 71 births that decade.
Okema by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1973–1979)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 7 | #8692 |
| 1978 | 6 | #9373 |
| 1976 | 6 | #8886 |
| 1975 | 46 | #1953 |
| 1973 | 6 | #8113 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okema a boy's or girl's name?
When was Okema most popular?
How popular is the name Okema?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1973–1979