Find out how popular the first name Kachina has been for the last 36 years (from 1974 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kachina by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Kachina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kachina.

The history of the first name Kachina

The name Kachina originates from the Hopi language, spoken by the Hopi Native American tribe in northeastern Arizona. The Hopis have a rich cultural tradition that revolves around kachina dolls, which are carved figurines representing spirit beings known as kachinas. The name itself is derived from the Hopi word 'katsina', meaning 'life bringer' or 'spirit messenger'.

The kachinas play a significant role in Hopi ceremonies and rituals, serving as intermediaries between the Hopi people and the spiritual realm. These ceremonies date back centuries and are deeply rooted in the tribe's belief system and way of life. The kachina dolls, intricately carved and painted, are given as gifts to children to teach them about the tribe's history and traditions.

While the name Kachina has its roots in the Hopi culture, it has been adopted by people outside the tribe as well. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name being used is Kachina Sumner, a Hopi woman born around 1880 who became famous for her traditional pottery and weaving skills.

Another notable figure with the name Kachina is Kachina Yeloitz, a Hopi artist born in 1952 who is renowned for her intricate kachina doll carvings and paintings. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hopi people.

In the realm of literature, Kachina Frye is an author and poet of Hopi descent, born in 1969. Her works often explore themes of Native American identity, spirituality, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Frye's poems have been published in various anthologies and literary journals, garnering critical acclaim.

Beyond the Hopi community, the name Kachina has also been adopted by individuals with an appreciation for Native American culture and spirituality. Kachina Wilbur, born in 1942, is a renowned artist and activist who has dedicated her life to promoting Native American rights and education. Her vibrant paintings and sculptures often depict kachina figures and other symbolic elements of indigenous cultures.

Lastly, Kachina Reidhead, born in 1976, is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has worked extensively with Native American communities. Through her foundation, she supports initiatives aimed at preserving traditional crafts, promoting cultural education, and empowering indigenous youth.

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

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