UK boy's name
Simbarashe
A masculine name of Shona origin meaning "the Lord is powerful".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Simbarashe is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Simbarashe popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4270, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2008, with 11 births.
This profile covers 105 England and Wales registrations across 20 recorded years from 2001 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 36% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 104 living people in the UK are called Simbarashe. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Simbarashe ranked #4270 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2008, when 11 boys were registered as Simbarashe.
- • About 104 living people in the UK are estimated to have Simbarashe as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4270
2024
Births in 2024
4
Latest year
Peak year
2008
11 births
Estimated living
104
2026
Meaning
What does Simbarashe mean?
The name Simbarashe originates from the Shona language spoken by the Bantu ethnic group residing in Zimbabwe and parts of southern Africa. It dates back to the 16th century during the establishment of the Rozwi Empire in present-day Zimbabwe.
Simbarashe is a compound word derived from the Shona terms "shumba" meaning lion and "rashe" meaning to remain or endure. The name carries the connotation of strength, resilience, and perseverance, likening the bearer to the formidable lion.
Historical references to the name Simbarashe can be traced back to oral traditions and folklore passed down through generations within the Shona culture. It was a name bestowed upon warriors, hunters, and leaders who exhibited bravery and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Simbarashe can be found in the chronicles of the Rozwi Empire, where it was attributed to a revered chief known for his fearlessness in battle and his ability to unite his people against invading forces.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Simbarashe. Some examples include:
1. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (1945-2021), a Zimbabwean politician who served as the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. 2. Simbarashe Muvuri (1960-2012), a Zimbabwean cricketer who played for the national team in the 1980s and 1990s. 3. Simbarashe Mujeye (born 1981), a Zimbabwean footballer who played as a defender for various clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa. 4. Simbarashe Jena (born 1968), a Zimbabwean sculptor and artist known for his intricate stone carvings depicting African themes. 5. Simbarashe Mambo (born 1989), a Zimbabwean rugby union player who has represented his country in international competitions.
The name Simbarashe has endured through the centuries, carrying the cultural and historical significance of the Shona people. Its meaning and symbolism continue to resonate within the Zimbabwean society, serving as a reminder of the valor and resilience of their ancestors.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Simbarashe over time
The chart below shows babies named Simbarashe registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2001 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Simbarashe, the clearest high point is 2008. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2024, compared with 11 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Simbarashe by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Simbarashe was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4689 | 16 | 5 |
| 2010s | #3729 | 37 | 8 |
| 2000s | #2227 | 52 | 7 |
Related
Names similar to Simbarashe
- Samuel 108,505
- Sebastian 33,008
- Sam 20,889
- Stanley 16,354
- Sonny 15,028
- Sean 15,006
- Scott 12,587
- Seth 9,841
- Syed 9,050
- Stephen 8,884
- Spencer 8,333
- Steven 6,970
FAQ
Simbarashe: questions and answers
How popular is the name Simbarashe in the UK right now?
In 2024, Simbarashe was ranked #4270 for boys in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Simbarashe most popular?
The peak year on record was 2008, with 11 babies registered as Simbarashe in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Simbarashe?
A masculine name of Shona origin meaning "the Lord is powerful".
How many people are called Simbarashe in the UK?
A total of 105 babies have been registered as Simbarashe across the 20 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.