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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kimani

Kimani

♂ Boy

Pronounced kih-MAH-nee /kɪˈmɑ.ni/High

Meaning: From East African (Kikuyu/Swahili) — variously 'beautiful and sweet', 'great in spirit', or a Kikuyu name; also a melodic crossoverMedium

In 30 seconds: A name with East African warmth: Kimani is read as 'beautiful and sweet' or 'great in spirit', drawn from Kikuyu and Swahili. Melodic and uplifting, beloved in the diaspora.
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Origin MediumSwahili, Kikuyu
MeaningFrom East African (Kikuyu/Swahili) — variously 'beautiful and sweet', 'great in spirit', or a Kikuyu name; also a melodic crossover
U.S. rank (2025)#3619 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,757

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199819692025

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

Kimani comes from East Africa — a Kikuyu name (Kenya) also at home in Swahili-speaking communities, glossed as 'beautiful and sweet' or 'great in spirit'. Its melodic shape has made it a popular crossover name in the African American community; this page covers its boys' use.

It registers thinly in recent U.S. records. Rare, uplifting at the root, and melodic.

Did you know? Kimani is a common Kikuyu name in Kenya — borne by leaders and athletes — and its flowing sound has made it a favorite crossover name in the African diaspora.
Overall data confidence 70%
East African name references — Kimani — glosses noted

Variations

KamaniKimoni

Nicknames

KimMani

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kimani Grey (1996-2013)
    Brooklyn teenager whose death by police shooting sparked community protests and civil rights discussions in New York City
  • ★Kimani Maruge (1920-2009)
    Kenyan man who enrolled in primary school at age 84, setting a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to start primary education

If you like Kimani…

Amani— a fellow Swahili name, 'peace'
Imani— the 'faith' companion name
Jelani— a sister East-African crossover name
Kamari— another melodic -ari/-ani favorite

Explore names like Kimani

By themeswahilieast-africankikuyu
By meaningBeauty

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kimani mean?

Kimani is an East African (Kikuyu/Swahili) name glossed as 'beautiful and sweet' or 'great in spirit'.

How do you pronounce Kimani?

It's said kih-MAH-nee /kɪˈmɑ.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kimani a boy or girl name?

Kimani is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Kimani?

Kimani is a rare name in the U.S.

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