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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ishimwe

Ishimwe

♀ Girl

Pronounced ee-SHEEM-weh /iˈʃiːm.we/Medium

Meaning: From the Kinyarwanda verb gushima, 'to thank, to praise' — Ishimwe is generally rendered 'let Him be praised' or 'praise and thanks to God'. It is a widely used Rwandan given name, and its devotional sense is genuine, which we note with respect.Medium

In 30 seconds: A Rwandan name of praise: Ishimwe means 'let Him be praised; thanks be to God' (said 'ee-SHEEM-weh').
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Origin MediumKinyarwanda
MeaningFrom the Kinyarwanda verb gushima, 'to thank, to praise' — Ishimwe is generally rendered 'let Him be praised' or 'praise and thanks to God'. It is a widely used Rwandan given name, and its devotional sense is genuine, which we note with respect.
U.S. rank (2024)#14111 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 27

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420202024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ishimwe is one of Rwanda's most recognisable given names, formed from gushima, 'to thank, to praise', and usually rendered 'let Him be praised'. It is given to girls and boys alike in Rwanda and the diaspora. The devotional meaning is real, and we note it respectfully (said 'ee-SHEEM-weh').

It is very rare for girls in the U.S. and common in Rwanda. Reverent, rhythmic, and warm.

Did you know? Ishimwe comes from gushima, the Kinyarwanda verb 'to thank, to praise'. Rwandan families give it as a small act of gratitude — the name itself is the prayer, and we note that with respect (said 'ee-SHEEM-weh').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Ishimwe — Kinyarwanda gushima, 'to thank/praise'; 'let Him be praised'

Variations

IshimweIshimaShimwa

Nicknames

IshiShim

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ishimwe…

Imani— a like East African name of faith
Keza— a like Rwandan favourite
Uwase— a like Kinyarwanda given name
Amani— a like Swahili word-name ('peace')

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ishimwe mean?

Ishimwe is Kinyarwanda for 'let Him be praised' or 'thanks be to God', from the verb gushima, 'to thank, to praise'.

How do you pronounce Ishimwe?

It's said ee-SHEEM-weh /iˈʃiːm.we/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ishimwe a boy or girl name?

Ishimwe is used here as a girl's name; in Rwanda it is given to girls and boys alike.

How popular is Ishimwe?

Ishimwe is a very rare name for girls in the U.S., though it is common in Rwanda.

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