American Accent:
British Accent:
Phonetic Spelling:
UK: /ˌjɛ.məˈjɑː/ (YEH-muh-YAH)
US: /ˌjɛ.məˈjɑː/ (YEH-muh-YAH)
Meaning:
Yemaya is a name of Yoruba origin, representing the Orisha (deity) of the sea in Yoruba religion. Yemaya is often considered a mother figure and is associated with nurturing, fertility, protection, and healing. She is revered in Santería, Candomblé, and other Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions.
Examples:
- “The devotees prayed to Yemaya for protection and prosperity before their ocean voyage.”
- “Yemaya is often depicted as a nurturing, motherly figure, embodying love and strength.”
Synonyms:
While names typically do not have synonyms, in spiritual contexts, names that are associated with similar meanings or roles include:
- Oshun (another Yoruba Orisha, associated with love and fertility)
- Gaia (Greek goddess of the Earth)
Antonyms:
There are no antonyms for a proper noun like Yemaya.
Etymology:
The name Yemaya originates from the Yoruba phrase Yey Omo Eja, meaning “Mother whose children are fish,” symbolizing her nurturing nature and connection to water. Yemaya is considered one of the most important deities in the Yoruba spiritual pantheon.
Common Mispronunciations:
Incorrect: “YEE-mah-yah” or “YEM-yah”
Correct: “YEH-muh-YAH”
Usage Tips:
- Yemaya is often used in spiritual, cultural, or artistic contexts to symbolize nurturing and strength.
- The name carries cultural and religious significance, so it should be used respectfully in conversation or storytelling.
Word Family:
There are no specific derivations from Yemaya, but related terms in Yoruba and Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions include:
- Yemaya Olokun (a form of Yemaya associated with the depths of the ocean)
- Yemaya Asesu (a variant deity with river connections)