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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kimathi

Kimathi

♂ Boy

Pronounced kee-MAH-thee /kiˈmɑː.θi/Medium

Meaning: A Kikuyu/Meru name from Kenya, generally understood as 'one who leads' or 'leader'. It is carried honorably by Dedan Kimathi, a leader of the Mau Mau independence struggle, noted honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A Kenyan name of leadership: Kimathi is Kikuyu/Meru, 'one who leads' (said 'kee-MAH-thee'). Strong and heritage-rich.
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Origin MediumKikuyu, Meru
MeaningA Kikuyu/Meru name from Kenya, generally understood as 'one who leads' or 'leader'. It is carried honorably by Dedan Kimathi, a leader of the Mau Mau independence struggle, noted honestly.
U.S. rank (2005)#12496 ↘ Falling
2005 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 15

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200519742005

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

Kimathi is a Kikuyu/Meru name of Kenya, understood as 'leader; one who leads'. Its history is tied to Dedan Kimathi of the independence movement — rare in the U.S. (said 'kee-MAH-thee').

In the U.S. it appears very rarely, mostly in families of Kenyan heritage. Rare, strong, and heritage-rich.

Did you know? Kimathi is a Kikuyu/Meru name from Kenya, read as 'one who leads'; it is borne honorably by Dedan Kimathi, a leader of the Mau Mau struggle for independence, which we note honestly — a name of strength and heritage (said 'kee-MAH-thee').
Overall data confidence 44%
References — Kimathi — Kikuyu/Meru 'leader'; Dedan Kimathi (Kenya)

Variations

KimathaKimaniKamathi

Nicknames

KimMathi

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kimathi…

Kimani— a like Kikuyu boy's name
Jabari— a like strong African name
Tafari— a like heritage-rich name
Amari— a like meaningful modern pick

Explore names like Kimathi

By themeheritagekikuyuleadership

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kimathi mean?

Kimathi is a Kikuyu/Meru name from Kenya, understood as 'one who leads'; it is carried honorably by Dedan Kimathi.

How do you pronounce Kimathi?

It's said kee-MAH-thee /kiˈmɑː.θi/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kimathi a boy or girl name?

Kimathi is a boy's name.

How popular is Kimathi?

Kimathi is a very rare name in the U.S.

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