Shema
Meaningpride · Kinyarwanda
Shema is an African gender-neutral name meaning “pride”, with Kinyarwanda roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- GenerationShema peaked in 1975, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Shema you'd meet today is about 50 years old.
- HistoryShema first shows up in US birth records in 1975, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 50 years since.
US births per million girls, 1975–2025
US births per million boys, 2020–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Shema
Shema is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “pride”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Shema
What does the name Shema mean?
Shema means “pride” and comes from Kinyarwanda. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Shaan (“pride, dignity”), Gaurav (“pride, honor”) and Asmita (“identity, pride”).
What is the origin of the name Shema?
Shema is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Kinyarwanda. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Shema a boy or girl name?
Both. Shema is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Shema?
Shema is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2001. It peaked at #6,484 in 1975, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Shema?
If you like Shema, you might also like Shaan, Gaurav and Asmita.
What should I know before naming my baby Shema?
Shema is an African gender-neutral name meaning “pride”, with Kinyarwanda roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.