William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nehemiah
BoyHebrew· “comforted by God”
- Meaning
- comforted by God
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- nee-uh-MY-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #429
- US babies 2025
- 743
- Best rank
- #336 (2010)
- Peak year
- 2010
Meaning and origin of Nehemiah
Nehemiah is a Hebrew name that means “comforted by God”.
Nehemiah comes from the Hebrew Nechemyah, meaning comforted by God or God comforts. In the Hebrew Bible, Nehemiah was the Jewish governor who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, and the Book of Nehemiah tells his story. The name was used by English Puritans and has returned in the United States along with other long Old Testament names like Josiah and Ezekiel. Nehemiah feels serious and traditional, but it also offers relaxed nicknames such as Nemo, Miah and Hemi.
Popularity over time
Nehemiah first appears in US Social Security records in 1886. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1886. Its best national rank was #336 in 2010, the same year it reached its highest count of 933 babies. In 2025, 743 babies were named Nehemiah, and it ranked #429 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,488 in 1920, #2,399 in 1950, #1,198 in 1980, #696 in 2000, #336 in 2010, and #429 in 2025. Of the 21,804 US boys named Nehemiah since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,516 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brycen, Braylen, Braydon, Rocco, and Colten.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nehemiah ranked highest in Delaware, Virginia, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #236 | 5 |
| Virginia | #274 | 32 |
| Georgia | #283 | 44 |
| Washington | #317 | 24 |
| West Virginia | #323 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Nehemiah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Nehemiah is usually pronounced nee-uh-MY-uh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with N and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Nehemiah
A few middle names that flow with Nehemiah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nehemiah
Similar names
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Lists that include Nehemiah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nehemiah mean?
Nehemiah is a Hebrew name that means “comforted by God”.
What is the origin of the name Nehemiah?
Nehemiah has Hebrew roots. Nehemiah comes from the Hebrew Nechemyah, meaning comforted by God or God comforts.
Is Nehemiah a popular name?
Yes. Nehemiah ranked #429 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nehemiah a boy or girl name?
Nehemiah is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Nehemiah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Nehemiah?
Nehemiah is usually pronounced nee-uh-MY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings