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Home › Baby Names Directory › Shema

Shema

♂ Boy

Pronounced shuh-MAH /ʃəˈmɑ/Medium

Meaning: From the Hebrew shema, 'hear; listen' — the first word of the Shema, the central Jewish declaration of faith ('Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One'). Shema also appears as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible.Medium

In 30 seconds: Shema is Hebrew for 'hear' — the opening word of the central Jewish declaration of faith (said 'shuh-MAH'). We note that sacred use respectfully.
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew shema, 'hear; listen' — the first word of the Shema, the central Jewish declaration of faith ('Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One'). Shema also appears as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible.
U.S. rank (2024)#13876 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 20

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

Shema is the Hebrew imperative 'hear; listen'. It opens the Shema, the daily declaration of Jewish faith drawn from Deuteronomy — among the most sacred lines in Judaism, a point we note plainly and respectfully. Separately, Shema appears as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible. Grave, resonant, and deeply rooted (said 'shuh-MAH').

As a given name in the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare, scriptural, and weighty.

Did you know? The Shema — 'Hear, O Israel' — is the central declaration of Jewish faith, recited daily. Shema is also a personal name in the Hebrew Bible. Families choosing it should know the prayer stands behind the word, which we note respectfully (said 'shuh-MAH').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Shema — Hebrew 'hear'; the central Jewish declaration of faith; biblical personal name

Variations

ShmaShemah

Nicknames

Shem

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shema…

Shem— the closest biblical relative in sound
Eitan— a like Hebrew boys' name
Boaz— a like biblical Hebrew pick
Gideon— a like scriptural choice with weight

Explore names like Shema

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By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shema mean?

Shema is Hebrew for 'hear; listen'. It is the opening word of the Shema, the central Jewish declaration of faith, and also a personal name in the Hebrew Bible.

How do you pronounce Shema?

It's said shuh-MAH /ʃəˈmɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Shema a boy or girl name?

Shema is used here as a boy's name, matching the biblical bearer.

How popular is Shema?

Shema is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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