Meaning, origin, history
Jameriah is a unique and captivating female given name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili word "Jami" which means "all" or "everyone". The suffix "-yah" added to the end of the name gives it a feminine touch.
The name Jameriah was popularized by American author Alice Walker in her 1982 novel "The Color Purple". In the story, one of the main characters is named Celie, who has a sister called Nettie. Nettie has two daughters named Olivia and Jameriah whom she sends to live with their father Correa when they are young.
Although the name Jameriah may not have been widespread before its appearance in "The Color Purple", it has since gained popularity among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. The name's African roots and its association with a powerful female character in literature make it an attractive choice for many families.
In terms of its history, there is not much documentation about the use of Jameriah prior to its appearance in Alice Walker's novel. However, as a Swahili-derived name, it can be traced back to East African languages and cultures. Today, Jameriah remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jameriah since 1880
Total births
93
Total since 1880
Peak year
2010
16 births
in 2015
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years