Kamau Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kamau is a name of Kikuyu origin meaning 'quiet' or 'silent'. It has evolved from the Kikuyu language and reflects cultural traits of calmness and introspection. While it does not have a biblical background, it has gained popularity as part of Kenyan identity, especially in the 20th century. Notable individuals with this name contribute to its positive perception today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kamau"
Pronunciation
/kɑːˈmaʊ/
Origin
Kikuyu
Etymology
The name Kamau is derived from the Kikuyu language, which is spoken by the Kikuyu people of Kenya. It is often associated with the meaning 'quiet' or 'silent'.
Meaning
quiet, silent
Language Evolution
Kikuyu
Historical Usage
The name Kamau has been used among the Kikuyu people for generations and became more widely recognized outside of Kenya in the 20th century as the Kikuyu community gained prominence in Kenyan politics and culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Kamau, Kamauu
Modern Popularity & Image
Kamau is viewed positively within Kikuyu culture and increasingly recognized internationally as a representation of Kenyan heritage.
Famous People
Kamau Brathwaite, Kamau Nairobi
📊 Kamau Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kamau Name Visualizations
✨ Kamau Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 34 peak births in 1995
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in Maryland
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kamau"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kamau"
"Kamau" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2652nd of 10718 | 221 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3266th of 16616 | 272 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4774th of 24088 | 280 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6678th of 23106 | 148 |
Regional Popularity of "Kamau" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
44.27% 1542nd/3483 |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
45.15% 1826th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
60.14% 2216th/3685 |
61.74% 2763rd/4475 |
59.30% 3080th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
66.98% 3459th/5164 |
- |
63.81% 4762nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kamau" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kamau"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kamau" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kamau" in the United States
The name Kamau is most popular in Maryland, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kamau has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kamau' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2652nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3266th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4774th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6678th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Kamau' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.