Origin
Yoruba
Syllables
3
Zodiac
Cancer
Trend
Declining
At a glance
Yemaya is a name often given to girls. Ranked #3684 and is easing off the charts this year. It comes from a Yoruba origin and traditionally means "Yoruba orisha meaning 'mother whose children are the fish' or 'mother of waters'.". It has 3 syllables.
The Story of Yemaya
Yemaya originates from the Yoruba religion of West Africa, where she is revered as the orisha of the ocean, motherhood, and protection. The name, meaning 'mother whose children are the fish,' reflects her role in creation myths, evolving through oral traditions into the African diaspora via the transatlantic slave trade. In the Americas, particularly Cuba and Brazil, it integrated into Santería and Candomblé, adapting phonetically while retaining spiritual essence, and has gained global recognition in modern neo-pagan and cultural revival movements.
Culturally, Yemaya symbolizes feminine power, fertility, and the life-giving sea, celebrated in festivals like Yemayá's Day in Cuba with offerings of blue and white. She represents resilience for women, embodying healing and community bonds in African and Afro-Caribbean societies. Her influence extends to art, music, and activism, inspiring empowerment and environmental awareness tied to water preservation.
In media, Yemaya appears in films like 'The Secret of the Orishas' and literature such as Zora Neale Hurston's works, portraying her as a divine mother figure in stories of magic and heritage. TV shows on spirituality and music genres like salsa often invoke her, highlighting themes of protection and cultural identity.
Personality traits associated with Yemaya include nurturing compassion, intuitive wisdom, and fierce protectiveness, suiting roles in caregiving or leadership. Individuals may exhibit emotional depth, creativity in expression, and a strong sense of justice, drawing from her oceanic vastness to foster growth and harmony in their lives.
Popularity
Currently ranked #3684 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #3684. Changed -710 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Life path 11 is the master intuitive, bringing spiritual insight and inspiration to others. They are visionaries who channel higher energies for humanitarian causes. This path demands balance to avoid overwhelm from sensitivity.
Soul urge 9 seeks universal love and completion, often through artistic or altruistic endeavors. These individuals yearn for deep connections and global impact. It encourages letting go and embracing compassion.
Personality number 6 projects nurturing and responsibility, attracting those needing guidance. They appear harmonious and family-oriented. This number supports roles of care and beauty.
Expression number 4 emphasizes stability and hard work, building lasting foundations. People with this are practical achievers who value order. It promotes discipline and tangible results.
Zodiac & Astrology
Cancer
Cancer's nurturing, protective essence aligns with Yemaya's maternal orisha role, emphasizing family and emotional security. This sign's intuitive waters complement the name's oceanic depth. It fits those who lead with heart and home.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Yemaya's energy surges like powerful waves, offering profound nurturing and transformative power. It envelops with a protective, healing aura that soothes and empowers. This name vibrates with fertility and spiritual depth, inviting abundance and emotional flow.
Color Aura
Deep Ocean Blue
Element
Water
Season
Summer
Gemstone
Pearl
Spirit Animal
Orca
Power Word
Protection
Energy Type
Water × Summer
Personality & Traits
Nurturing
Yemaya individuals provide unwavering support, like a mother to all. This trait creates safe spaces for growth and healing. It draws from divine maternal energies.
Intuitive
Heightened senses guide decisions with profound wisdom. This intuition aids in understanding unspoken needs. It connects to spiritual realms effortlessly.
Protective
Fiercely guarding loved ones from harm or injustice. This protectiveness ensures security in relationships. It embodies the orisha's shielding power.
Creative
Artistic expressions flow naturally, often inspired by water themes. This creativity manifests in music, dance, or crafts. It channels emotional depths innovatively.
Empathetic
Deeply feeling others' joys and pains, offering solace. This empathy builds strong, empathetic communities. It fosters healing through connection.
Resilient
Enduring hardships with grace, emerging stronger like tides. This resilience inspires perseverance. It reflects oceanic endurance.
Spiritual
A natural draw to mysticism and rituals for guidance. This spirituality enriches personal and collective lives. It honors ancestral traditions.
Charismatic
Magnetic presence captivates and unites people. This charisma leads in cultural or social movements. It radiates divine allure.
Famous People Named Yemaya
Yemaya Gaston
Afro-Cuban artist known for her paintings of orishas in the 20th century.
Yemaya Olokun
Renowned Santería priestess who preserved Yoruba traditions in Brazil.
Assata Shakur
Activist who adopted Yemaya-inspired symbolism in her writings on black liberation.
Celia Cruz
Cuban singer whose songs often referenced Yemaya in Afro-Cuban music.
Yemaya Rodriguez
Mexican-American author exploring Yoruba spirituality in modern literature.
Lola Rodriguez
Spanish dancer and choreographer incorporating Yemaya rituals in performances.
Yemaya Thompson
American environmental activist focusing on ocean conservation.
Mariela Yemaya
Argentine folklorist documenting African diaspora religions.
Yemaya Bello
Jamaican poet celebrating Caribbean orishas.
Yemaya in Pop Culture
Yemaya
American Gods (TV Show/Book)
Mama Yemaya
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Book)
Yemaya the Sea Goddess
Percy Jackson Series (Book)
Yemaya Olodumare
Santería Folklore (Mythology)
Queen Yemaya
Black Panther (Movie)
Yemaya's Daughter
Daughters of the Sea (Book Series)
Yemaya Spirit
Once Upon a Time (TV Show)
Yemaya Warrior
Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV Show)
Goddess Yemaya
Smite (Game)
Historical Events
1500s
Yoruba slaves brought the orisha to the Americas, birthing syncretic religions.
1830
Cuban cabildos formalized Yemaya worship amid colonial suppression.
1950
Margarita Lecuona's song 'Yemayá' popularized her in global music.
1980
UNESCO recognized Yoruba influences, highlighting Yemaya's cultural role.
2000
Yemaya-inspired art exhibitions toured internationally, promoting Afro-diaspora heritage.
International Variations
Yemaya in Different Scripts
يميايا
Arabic
耶玛亚
Chinese (Mandarin)
イェマヤ
Japanese (Katakana)
예마야
Korean
ימיה
Hebrew
Γιεμάγια
Greek
Емая
Cyrillic
येमाया
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Middle Name Suggestions
Beautiful middle name pairings with Yemaya:
Yemaya Olufunmi
Yemaya Aisha
Yemaya Zara
Yemaya Nia
Yemaya Kali
Yemaya Serena
Yemaya Luna
Yemaya Amara
Yemaya Imani
Yemaya Sahara
Fun Facts & Trivia
Yemaya is central to Yoruba religion, syncretized with the Virgin Mary in Catholicism.
Her festival on September 7 in Cuba draws thousands for sea offerings.
The name influences modern music, from Beyoncé to reggae artists.
In Santería, she's associated with the number 7 and blue pearls.
Yemaya symbolizes both calm and stormy seas, representing life's dualities.
Similar Names You Might Love
Yamaya
Goddess mother of the ocean waves
girlJemaya
Precious gem embodying joy and divine light
girlYamira
Graceful princess who brings light and joy
girlAmaya
Night rain (Japanese) or the end (Basque)
girlLemaya
Gift from the heavens above us
girlSemaya
Divine blessing from the heavens
girlDemaya
Divine gift of joy and radiant light
girlLevearn
One who brings joy or light
girlLakin
First born child of joy
girlBinta
With God from African roots
girlTemicka
one who brings joy
girlChineta
God is with us
girlPronunciation
yeh-MAH-yah
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.