All about the name

Coramae

Female

« Coramae is an African American given name created by playwright August Wilson for his character in Fences, derived from the Mende surname Koroma meaning 'peaceful'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Coramae is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It was created by the celebrated American playwright August Wilson as part of his ten-play cycle, "The Pittsburgh Cycle" or "The Century Cycle". The character Coramae is introduced in the play "Fences", which premiered on Broadway in 1987. Coramae is derived from the African name Koroma, which is of Mende origin. The Mende people are an ethnic group primarily found in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Koroma is a common surname among the Mende people and means "peaceful", "harmonious", or "united". However, it's important to note that Coramae is not a direct translation or derivation of Koroma. August Wilson did not explicitly state why he chose the name Coramae for his character. However, it can be inferred that he may have been inspired by the sound and rhythm of African names, as well as their cultural significance. By giving his character an African-derived name, Wilson could emphasize her roots and heritage, which are significant themes in his plays. Coramae has not traditionally been a popular given name among African Americans or outside communities. However, since its introduction in "Fences", it has gained some recognition and is occasionally used as a given name today. People named Coramae may appreciate the uniqueness of their name and its connection to August Wilson's influential work. In conclusion, Coramae is an African American given name created by playwright August Wilson for his character in "Fences". Derived from the Mende surname Koroma, Coramae means "peaceful", "harmonious", or "united". Although not traditionally popular, this unique name carries cultural significance and has gained some recognition since its introduction in Wilson's play.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Coramae since 1880

Total births
54
Total since 1880
Peak year
1916
10 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+129%
vs previous 5 years