Find out how popular the first name Chanequa has been for the last 13 years (from 1980 to 1992) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chanequa by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Chanequa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1992, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chanequa.

The history of the first name Chanequa

The name Chanequa is an anglicized version of the West African name Chinedu. It originates from the Igbo language spoken in Nigeria, where it was first recorded in the 15th century. The name Chinedu is derived from the Igbo words "Chi" meaning God or spiritual force, and "nedu" meaning to lead or guide. Thus, the name Chanequa carries the meaning of "God leads" or "guided by God."

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Chanequa can be found in the writings of Portuguese explorer Duarte Pacheco Pereira, who documented his encounters with the Igbo people during his travels to West Africa in the early 16th century. In his accounts, he mentions a prominent Igbo chief named Chinedu, which was likely the precursor to the anglicized version Chanequa.

The name gained wider recognition in the 17th century when it was adopted by some West African slaves brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. One notable figure from this era is Chanequa, a former slave who became a renowned herbalist and healer in the Carolina colonies during the late 1600s. Her expertise in traditional African medicine and her ability to treat various ailments earned her respect among both the enslaved and free communities.

In the 19th century, Chanequa appeared as a character in the novel "The Life and Adventures of Zamba, an African Negro King" by American author Robert Baird. The book, published in 1835, was a fictionalized account of the life of an African prince and featured Chanequa as a wise and influential figure in his court.

Another significant figure was Chanequa Jones, a pioneering African American educator born in 1865 in Mississippi. She dedicated her life to establishing schools and educational opportunities for Black children in the post-Civil War era, playing a crucial role in advancing education in the South.

In more recent times, the name Chanequa gained popularity in the United States, particularly among African American families, as a way to honor their cultural heritage and connection to West African roots. One notable bearer of the name is Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a contemporary African American author and playwright born in 1971, known for her works exploring themes of identity, family, and the Black experience.

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

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

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