The baby name Kimathi is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced kee-MAH-thee.
The baby name Kimathi is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced kee-MAH-thee.
Kimathi is in Origin.
Kimathi is a masculine given name and surname from the Gikuyu (Kikuyu) language of central Kenya, also used among the Embu and Meru. In Gikuyu orthography it appears as Kĩmathi. The kĩ‑ class prefix combines with the stem mathi to convey ideas of steadiness and courage, so the name is commonly interpreted as “steadfast,” “resolute,” or “brave.” Families choose it to signal strength, endurance, and moral backbone.
The name gained wider public profile through Dedan Kimathi, a key leader of the Mau Mau resistance in the 1950s, and remains familiar in Kenya and the diaspora. It functions as both given name and surname. Variants are chiefly orthographic: Kĩmathi in Gikuyu, Kimathi in English contexts; short forms like Mathi or Kima appear informally. While largely masculine, some modern usage treats it as unisex.
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GH | Boys | 0 | #361 | 1 | 8,138 |
| QA | Boys | 0 | #743 | 1 | 18,093 |
| United States | Boys | 2005 | #846 | 5 | 7,175 |
| SA | Girls | 0 | #1,014 | 1 | 25,931 |
| SA | Boys | 0 | #1,690 | 2 | 28,008 |
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