Thembi" is a Swahili origin given name meaning "darkness". It is traditionally given to children born during the night or during stormy weather. The name Thembi has gained popularity beyond East Africa, particularly in South Africa where it is often heard. Despite its unique sound and meaning, Thembi remains relatively uncommon outside of these regions.
Thembi was not a popular name during these years, with the highest number of births being only 7 in two separate years and dropping to as low as 5 in 1979. The total number of babies named Thembi born between 1971 and 1979 is 35.