Find out how popular the first name Doba has been for the last 3 years (from 2017 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Doba by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Doba is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Doba.

The history of the first name Doba

The name Doba has its origins in the Zulu language, spoken by the Zulu people of Southern Africa. It dates back to the early 19th century, during the time of the Zulu Kingdom under the legendary King Shaka Zulu. The name Doba is derived from the Zulu word "doba," meaning "to be gentle" or "to be kind."

In Zulu culture, names were often chosen to reflect desired qualities or traits for the child. The name Doba was likely given to children in the hopes that they would grow up to be gentle and kind individuals, embodying the values of compassion and empathy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Doba can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Zulu people, which were passed down through generations. These stories often featured characters with the name Doba, highlighting the importance of gentleness and kindness in Zulu society.

Notable historical figures with the name Doba include Doba Jili (1880-1958), a renowned Zulu herbalist and traditional healer who was highly respected for his knowledge of medicinal plants and his compassionate approach to healing. Another notable figure is Doba Ngcobo (1910-1985), a Zulu educator and activist who played a significant role in advocating for better educational opportunities for Black South Africans during the apartheid era.

In the realm of literature, the name Doba appears in the works of several Zulu writers and poets. One such example is the acclaimed writer Credo Vusa'mazulu Mutwa (1921-2020), whose book "Indaba, My Children" features a character named Doba, a wise and gentle storyteller who imparts traditional Zulu knowledge and values to the younger generation.

Another notable figure bearing the name Doba is Doba Mchunu (1932-2009), a South African politician and activist who played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle. He served as the Minister of Education in the post-apartheid government and was widely respected for his dedication to advancing educational opportunities for all South Africans.

Lastly, the name Doba has also been documented in historical records and accounts of European explorers and missionaries who encountered the Zulu people in the 19th century. One such account is found in the writings of the British missionary Rev. Francis Owen (1809-1879), who mentioned meeting a Zulu man named Doba during his travels in the region.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Doba, 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!