"mother of waters"
Origin: Yoruba
Language: Yoruba
Yemaya
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Mother of Waters — a sacred Yoruba goddess name
Yoruba
African
Afro-Caribbean
Brazilian
Spiritual
Earthy
Unique
Elegant
Bold
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The Story of Yemaya
Yemaya (also spelled Yemoja, Iemanjá, Yemanjá) is the name of an Orisha — a deity in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. The name comes from the Yoruba phrase Yèyé omo eja, meaning Mother whose children are like fish — reflecting her role as goddess of the ocean, rivers, and all waters. As enslaved Yoruba people were transported to the Americas, Yemaya traveled with them, becoming central to Candomblé in Brazil, Santería in Cuba, and Vodou in Haiti.
Yemaya has gained popularity in African diaspora communities and among parents interested in African spiritual traditions. The name's connection to water, motherhood, and divine feminine energy resonates strongly in contemporary spiritual and cultural movements.
Yemaya is one of the most important Orishas in Yoruba religion and its diaspora traditions. She governs the oceans, rivers, and the subconscious mind. In Brazil she is venerated as Iemanjá, with a major festival on February 2 in Salvador, Bahia. She is syncretized with the Virgin Mary in some traditions.
Historical Record
Yemaya first appeared in US Social Security records in 1991.
Over 461 babies have been named Yemaya in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yemaya is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,659 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yemaya is worshipped across three continents — Africa, South America, and North America
- The Festival of Iemanjá in Brazil on February 2 draws hundreds of thousands of devotees to Salvador, Bahia
Yemaya in Other Languages
Yoruba
Yemoja
English
Yemaya
Haitian Creole
La Sirène
Spanish (Cuba)
Yemayá
Portuguese (Brazil)
Iemanjá
Popularity Over Time
#3,659
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yemaya
Y
Yemaya (Yemoja)
Religious
Orisha of the ocean and living waters in Yoruba religion, venerated across West Africa and the African diaspora in the A...
Orisha of the ocean and living waters in Yoruba religion, venerated across West Africa and the African diaspora in the Americas
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #3,659
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- Yoruba African Afro-Caribbean Brazilian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Yema
Maya
Ema
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yemaya
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yemaya
What does the name Yemaya mean?
"mother of waters" (from Yoruba). Yemaya (also spelled Yemoja, Iemanjá, Yemanjá) is the name of an Orisha — a deity in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. The name comes from the Yoruba phrase Yèyé omo eja, meaning Mother whose children are like fish — reflecting her role as goddess of the ocean, rivers, and all waters. As enslaved Yoruba people were transported to the Americas, Yemaya traveled with them, becoming central to Candomblé in Brazil, Santería in Cuba, and Vodou in Haiti.
What is the origin of the name Yemaya?
Yemaya has Yoruba, African, Afro-Caribbean, and Brazilian origins. In Yoruba, it means "mother of waters".
Is Yemaya a boy or girl name?
Yemaya is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Yemaya?
Yemaya is currently ranked #3659 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yemaya?
Common nicknames for Yemaya include Yema, Maya, and Ema.
What are good middle names for Yemaya?
Popular middle name pairings include Yemaya Grace, Yemaya Simone, Yemaya Amara, Yemaya Celeste, Yemaya Jade, Yemaya Noel, and Yemaya Faith.
What are good sibling names for Yemaya?
Names that pair well with Yemaya as siblings include Oshun, Imani, Zaire, Amara, Kofi, Nia, Idris, and Ife.
How many syllables does Yemaya have?
Yemaya has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Yemaya a common or rare name?
Yemaya is an uncommon name, ranked #3659 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Yemaya?
Are there other spellings for Yemaya?
Related spellings include Yemariam.
About the Name Yemaya
Yemaya is a girl name with Yoruba, African, Afro-Caribbean, and Brazilian origins . The name means "mother of waters" in Yoruba .
Yemaya is currently ranked #3,659 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Yemaya has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Yemaya include Yema, Maya, and Ema. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Yemaya include Yemariam . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis