Kenya Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kenya originates from the Kikuyu word 'Kere-Nyaga', meaning 'mountain of whiteness', referring to Mount Kenya. It has evolved through the Kikuyu and Swahili languages. The name gained historical significance in the late 19th century and became synonymous with the nation after independence. Currently, Kenya is associated with its rich natural heritage and cultural diversity, with no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kenya"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛnjə/
Origin
Swahili
Etymology
The name 'Kenya' is derived from Mount Kenya, which is named after the Kikuyu word 'Kere-Nyaga' meaning 'mountain of whiteness', referring to the snow-capped peaks.
Meaning
Mountain of whiteness
Language Evolution
Kikuyu: Kere-Nyaga, Swahili: Kenya
Historical Usage
The name Kenya gained popularity in the late 19th century when European explorers began to refer to the region by the name of its prominent mountain, and it was later adopted as the name of the country after independence in 1963.
Variants & Derivatives
Kenyan
Modern Popularity & Image
Kenya is currently perceived as a vibrant country known for its diverse wildlife, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. It holds a significant place in global tourism and is recognized for its contributions to athletics.
Famous People
Wangari Maathai, Jomo Kenyatta, Barack Obama Sr., Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
📊 Kenya Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kenya Name Visualizations
✨ Kenya Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,039 peak births in 1973
Geographic Spread
Popular across 38 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kenya" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kenya". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kenya" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kenya"
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 "Kenya"
"Kenya" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6287th of 7552 | 13 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 930th of 10718 | 1,208 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2150th of 16616 | 498 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4007th of 24088 | 356 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 10610th of 23106 | 66 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3316th of 12526 | 244 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 444th of 19264 | 7,558 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 533rd of 27321 | 6,761 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 593rd of 35406 | 7,749 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1044th of 30306 | 3,028 |
Regional Popularity of "Kenya" 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) |
29.42% 864th/2937 |
27.85% 970th/3483 |
21.09% 742nd/3518 |
27.57% 1115th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
43.31% 1938th/4475 |
38.51% 2000th/5194 |
58.75% 3711th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
- |
57.95% 4238th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kenya" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
85.51% 2078th/2430 |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
85.12% 2362nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
14.64% 430th/2937 |
12.89% 449th/3483 |
10.15% 357th/3518 |
16.94% 685th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.55% 573rd/3685 |
12.07% 540th/4475 |
7.34% 381st/5194 |
12.40% 783rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.26% 699th/4582 |
15.72% 812th/5164 |
6.52% 477th/7313 |
7.99% 596th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
33.63% 1340th/3984 |
33.52% 1504th/4487 |
13.27% 905th/6822 |
14.42% 905th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kenya"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kenya" 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 "Kenya" in the United States
The name Kenya is most popular in Georgia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kenya has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kenya' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6287th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 930th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2150th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4007th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10610th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3316th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 444th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 533rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 593rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1044th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kenya' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.