Find out how popular the first name Akesha has been for the last 20 years (from 1974 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akesha by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Akesha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Akesha.

The history of the first name Akesha

The name Akesha is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba language spoken in parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria. It is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century during the era of the Yoruba Empire.

Akesha is derived from the Yoruba word "akeṣe," which means "she who brings joy" or "she who brings happiness." The name reflects the cultural values of the Yoruba people, who place great importance on joy, contentment, and celebrating the beauty of life.

While there are no known direct historical references to the name Akesha in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is likely that the name was used within Yoruba communities for centuries before being documented in written records.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Akesha can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba linguist and Anglican missionary who lived from 1809 to 1891. In his works documenting Yoruba language and culture, Crowther mentioned the name Akesha as an example of a traditional Yoruba name.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Akesha. One such person was Akesha Hendrix (1932-2008), an American civil rights activist and community leader who worked tirelessly to promote equal rights and social justice in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

Another notable Akesha was Akesha Fatima (1905-1992), a pioneering Egyptian feminist and writer who advocated for women's rights and gender equality in the early 20th century. Her published works, including novels and essays, challenged societal norms and inspired generations of women in the Arab world.

In the realm of literature, Akesha Walters (1949-2018) was a celebrated Jamaican author and poet whose works explored themes of identity, race, and the Caribbean diaspora experience. Her poetry collections, such as "Tributaries" and "Black Bread," received critical acclaim and numerous literary awards.

The world of sports also had its own Akesha in the form of Akesha Jones (1976-present), a former American professional basketball player who played in the WNBA for several teams, including the Detroit Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks, during her career spanning the late 1990s to the early 2000s.

Lastly, Akesha Haneefa (1972-present) is a notable figure in the field of education. She is a renowned educator, author, and advocate for inclusive and equitable learning environments, particularly for students from underrepresented communities. Her work has had a significant impact on educational practices and policies across the United States.

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 Akesha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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