Find out how popular the first name Chuka has been for the last 4 years (from 2003 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chuka by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Chuka is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chuka.

The history of the first name Chuka

The name Chuka originates from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, predominantly in Nigeria. It has its roots in the ancient Yoruba culture and can be traced back to the 15th century or earlier.

The name Chuka is derived from the Yoruba word "oku" which means "fire" or "flame". It is believed that the name was given to children born during times of war or conflict, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges, much like a flame that burns brightly despite adversity.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Chuka can be found in the Ife corpus of oral traditions, a collection of stories and narratives that preserve the history and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. In these tales, Chuka is depicted as a brave warrior who fought fiercely to protect his people.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chuka. One such figure was Chuka Nnolim (1944-2022), a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, and academic who made significant contributions to the literary landscape of his country. His works often explored themes of cultural identity and social justice.

Another individual of note was Chuka Umunna (born 1978), a British politician and former Member of Parliament. Umunna, whose father was Nigerian, was known for his advocacy for social and economic reforms, as well as his support for Britain's membership in the European Union.

In the realm of sports, Chuka Monye (born 1985) is a former professional rugby union player who represented England at the international level. Monye's athletic prowess and dedication to his craft earned him recognition as one of the top players of his generation.

Chuka Iloegbu (1954-2015) was a Nigerian artist and sculptor whose works celebrated the rich cultural heritage of his homeland. His sculptures, often crafted from wood and metal, captured the essence of Igbo traditions and were exhibited in galleries around the world.

Lastly, Chuka Umunna (born 1987), a Nigerian-American journalist and writer, has gained recognition for her thought-provoking articles and essays on issues of race, identity, and socio-political affairs. Her insightful perspectives have contributed to important conversations on these topics.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!