The name Jomanda appeared in the U.S. baby name data for a string of four years during the early 1990s:
- 1995: unlisted
- 1994: 6 baby girls named Jomanda
- 1993: 10 baby girls named Jomanda
- 1992: 5 baby girls named Jomanda
- 1991: 6 baby girls named Jomanda [debut]
- 1990: unlisted
The similar name Jamanda was in the data even longer, from 1989 to 1994.
The origin of both names? A female R&B vocal trio called Jomanda.
They scored their first hit in 1989 with “Make My Body Rock (Feel It),” which climbed to #6 on Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart.
Later on, they reached #1 on that chart twice: first with “Got a Love For You” in mid-1991, then with “Don’t You Want Me” in early 1993.
“Got a Love For You” even managed to reach #40 on the Hot 100 during the summer of 1991, officially making it a Top 40 song. Here’s the video:
I don’t know the origin of the name “Jomanda,” but one of the group members was named Joanne — that could have been an influence. (The other two were named Cheri and Renee.)
Do you like the name Jomanda? Would you use it?
Sources: Jomanda – Wikipedia, Jomanda – Billboard
P.S. The baby name Nubia saw peak usage in 1993 — the year Jomanda’s second album, Nubia Soul, was released.