Kenyatta Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kenyatta is a name of Kikuyu origin meaning 'leader'. It has evolved through Kikuyu and Swahili, reflecting strong cultural roots in Kenya. The name is associated with leadership and has gained prominence through historical figures such as Jomo Kenyatta. It has no biblical relevance but is recognized for its significance in the context of Kenya's history and independence.
The name Kenyatta is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) 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, Kenyatta 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. 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, 'Kenyatta' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4902nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 804th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1673rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2641st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6443rd out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 8421st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1160th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1289th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3855th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14808th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kenyatta' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kenyatta"
Pronunciation
/kənˈjɑːtə/
Origin
Kikuyu
Etymology
The name Kenyatta is derived from the Kikuyu word 'kenyatta', which means 'a person who is a leader' or 'to be a leader'. It is often associated with leadership qualities and has strong cultural significance in Kenya.
Meaning
leader
Language Evolution
Kikuyu, Swahili
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, especially associated with Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, who played a significant role in the country's independence.
Variants & Derivatives
Kenyata, Ken
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Kenyatta is viewed positively, often associated with leadership, strength, and national pride in Kenya.
Famous People
Jomo Kenyatta, Uhuru Kenyatta
Explore More Kenyatta Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kenyatta"
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 "Kenyatta"
"Kenyatta" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4902nd of 7552 | 36 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 804th of 10718 | 1,645 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1673rd of 16616 | 724 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2641st of 24088 | 655 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6443rd of 23106 | 156 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8421st of 12526 | 28 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1160th of 19264 | 1,649 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1289th of 27321 | 1,935 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3855th of 35406 | 587 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 14808th of 30306 | 56 |
Regional Popularity of "Kenyatta" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
57.80% 1604th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
22.64% 665th/2937 |
17.77% 619th/3483 |
20.47% 720th/3518 |
26.88% 1087th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
34.19% 1260th/3685 |
34.15% 1528th/4475 |
35.54% 1846th/5194 |
38.90% 2457th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
46.70% 2140th/4582 |
45.62% 2356th/5164 |
34.12% 2495th/7313 |
59.31% 4426th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kenyatta" 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% 2430th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
26.63% 782nd/2937 |
40.17% 1399th/3483 |
24.39% 858th/3518 |
56.65% 2291st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
25.05% 923rd/3685 |
47.33% 2118th/4475 |
16.75% 870th/5194 |
74.56% 4710th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
55.11% 2525th/4582 |
- |
43.10% 3152nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kenyatta"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kenyatta" 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.