Find out how popular the first name Africa has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Africa by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Africa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Africa.

The history of the first name Africa

The name Africa is a relatively modern invention, rooted in the ancient Greek word "Aphrike," which referred to the regions now known as Libya and Tunisia. The word "Aphrike" is believed to have originated from the ancient Egyptian word "af-rui-ka," meaning "to turn toward the opening of the Ka soul." This suggests a spiritual or metaphysical connection to the African continent.

While the name Africa was not commonly used as a personal name in ancient times, it did appear in some historical records and texts. One notable reference is in the writings of Roman philosopher and historian Pliny the Elder, who lived from 23-79 AD. In his work "Naturalis Historia," he referred to the region as "Africa terra," or the land of Africa.

The earliest recorded use of Africa as a personal name dates back to the 18th century. One of the earliest known individuals with the name was Africa Zamba, a former slave from West Africa who lived in the American colonies in the 1700s. Another notable figure was Africa Albino Millin, a French archaeologist and author born in 1759, who wrote extensively about ancient Roman and Greek cultures.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the name Africa gained popularity as a symbol of pride and cultural identity, particularly among African Americans. One famous individual with the name was Africa Bambaataa, an influential hip-hop pioneer born in 1957, who helped establish the Universal Zulu Nation and popularized the socially conscious and Afrocentric themes in hip-hop music.

Other notable individuals with the name Africa include:

1. Africa Wayne Brady (born 1972), an American actor, comedian, and singer best known for his work on the improvisational comedy show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

2. Africa Sebastian (born 1970), an American singer and songwriter who had a hit song with "Dancin' on the Ceiling" in the late 1980s.

3. Africa Menelik Govze (born 1987), a professional basketball player from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who has played in various European leagues.

4. Africa Muñoz (born 1965), a Mexican actress and singer known for her work in telenovelas and films.

5. Africa Ivy (born 1978), an American artist and painter whose work often explores themes of identity and cultural heritage.

While not a common name, Africa has gained recognition as a unique and meaningful choice, reflecting a connection to the rich history and cultures of the African continent.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Africa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Africa, please contact us.

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