Kima Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEE-ma /ˈkiːmə/
Origin: Japanese; African
Meaning: Japanese: 'tree'; African: 'the one who brings happiness'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kima has roots in various linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the African and Hebrew languages. In Hebrew, Kima (קִימָה) translates to 'a rising' or 'to rise,' which connects to themes of growth and elevation.
The name may also be linked to the Swahili word 'kima,' meaning 'a monkey,' although this association is less common. The transition of Kima into English likely occurred through cultural exchanges and migrations, particularly during the 20th century as African and Hebrew influences became more prominent in Western societies.
Historically, the name Kima does not have a singular notable figure or event that anchors its significance, unlike many names derived from biblical or royal contexts. However, it reflects a broader trend of names that symbolize strength and resilience, qualities that have been celebrated in various cultures.
The use of Kima can be seen in literature and art, where it often embodies themes of empowerment and identity, particularly within African diasporic communities. Culturally, Kima resonates with the idea of rising above challenges, making it a name that carries positive connotations.
In some contexts, it may also be associated with the concept of community and belonging, reflecting the importance of familial and social ties in many cultures. The name's simplicity and phonetic appeal contribute to its enduring presence across different cultures, allowing it to be embraced in various forms and adaptations.
While diminutive forms are not widely documented, variations may exist that reflect local linguistic practices.
Famous people named Kima
In this section, you will find notable people named Kima. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kima who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kima who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Kima Greggs is a fictional character best known for her role in the television series The Wire.
Fictional characters named Kima
The following list of fictional characters named Kima is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Kima Greggs is a fictional character from the TV series The Wire. She is a dedicated detective in the Baltimore Police Department, known for her strong work ethic and commitment to justice.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kima, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kima. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kima was first seen in the United States in 1953.
Kima has ranked as high as #9309 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, New York, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Kima has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kima is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kima was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kima.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 14 | 14 |
| 2023 | 22 | 22 |
| 2022 | 23 | 23 |
| 2021 | 23 | 23 |
| 2020 | 10 | 10 |
| 2010 | 5 | 5 |
| 2009 | 8 | 8 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 |
| 2004 | 6 | 6 |
| 2002 | 5 | 5 |
| 2001 | 10 | 10 |
| 2000 | 9 | 9 |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 |
| 1997 | 5 | 5 |
| 1996 | 10 | 10 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1985 | 7 | 7 |
| 1983 | 6 | 6 |
| 1982 | 7 | 7 |
| 1980 | 6 | 6 |
| 1979 | 6 | 6 |
| 1978 | 9 | 9 |
| 1977 | 19 | 19 |
| 1975 | 6 | 6 |
| 1974 | 10 | 10 |
| 1973 | 11 | 11 |
| 1972 | 5 | 5 |
| 1971 | 12 | 12 |
| 1970 | 6 | 6 |
| 1969 | 10 | 10 |
| 1968 | 6 | 6 |
| 1967 | 11 | 11 |
| 1966 | 5 | 5 |
| 1965 | 6 | 6 |
| 1964 | 6 | 6 |
| 1963 | 5 | 5 |
| 1962 | 5 | 5 |
| 1960 | 8 | 8 |
| 1959 | 9 | 9 |
| 1958 | 6 | 6 |
| 1957 | 6 | 6 |
| 1953 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Kima (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |