Ebrima is a unique and distinctive name of West African origin. It is derived from the Mandinka people, who are native to present-day Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea. The Mandinka language is part of the Mandé language family.
The name Ebrima has a significant meaning in this cultural context. In Mandinka, "Ebra" means "firstborn son," while "-ma" is a suffix that denotes possession or association. Therefore, Ebrima translates to "one who possesses a firstborn son" or "one associated with the firstborn son."
The name Ebrima has been historically popular among the Mandinka people and other ethnic groups in West Africa for generations. It reflects the cultural importance placed on family and lineage, particularly regarding the birth of a firstborn son.
In recent years, as African culture gains more global recognition, the name Ebrima has started to appear beyond its traditional borders. However, it remains relatively rare outside of West Africa, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In summary, Ebrima is a compelling name with deep roots in West African culture and history. Its meaning adds depth and significance to the name, reflecting the profound importance placed on family and lineage among the Mandinka people.
Statistics on the given name Ebrima in the United States from 1994 to 2022 show a varied trend in popularity over these years.
The earliest recorded birth year for Ebrima is 1994, with five babies being named Ebrima that year. The number of births increased slightly to six in 1995 before fluctuating between five and ten births annually until 2003 when there were twelve births. The following years saw a significant rise in popularity, peaking at sixteen births both in 2008 and 2011.
However, after 2011, the popularity of the name Ebrima seemed to decline steadily, with fewer than ten births per year recorded from 2013 onwards. The most recent data available shows that there were twelve births in 2022.
Overall, a total of 248 babies have been named Ebrima in the United States between 1994 and 2022. Despite its fluctuation in popularity over time, it is clear that this name has had some presence in American naming trends during these years.