Kanisa first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kanisa has been for the last 1 years (from 1975 to 1975) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kanisa

An African name meaning "gathering place" or "church".

Popularity of Kanisa by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Kanisa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1975, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kanisa.

Year Male Count Female Count
1975 0 6

The history of the first name Kanisa

The name Kanisa is believed to have its origins in the Swahili language, spoken primarily in East Africa. The name derives from the Swahili word "Kanisa," which means "church" or "place of worship." It is thought to have entered the Swahili lexicon through Arabic influences, as the word is similar to the Arabic term "Kanisa," which also means "church."

In its earliest usage, the name Kanisa was likely bestowed upon children born in or near a church or religious institution, perhaps as a way to honor their place of birth or to signify their connection to the faith community. Over time, the name transcended its religious connotations and became a popular choice among various communities in East Africa and beyond.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kanisa can be found in the 19th century, when it was mentioned in historical accounts and records from the region. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins and earliest usage of the name, as written records from that time period can be scarce or incomplete.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kanisa. One such figure was Kanisa Muindi, a Kenyan political activist and women's rights advocate who lived in the early 20th century. She played a pivotal role in the fight against colonial rule and campaigned tirelessly for the empowerment of women in her community.

Another prominent figure with the name Kanisa was Kanisa Shehu, a Nigerian artist and sculptor who lived from 1920 to 1987. Her works, which often depicted scenes from everyday life in Nigeria, were celebrated for their intricate details and cultural significance.

In the realm of literature, Kanisa Namai was a notable Kenyan author and poet who wrote extensively about the struggles and triumphs of her people. Her works, published in the latter half of the 20th century, have been widely acclaimed and have helped to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Kenya.

Kanisa Msikizi, a Tanzanian musician and singer who rose to prominence in the 1960s, was also a prominent figure. Her melodic voice and captivating performances helped to popularize traditional Tanzanian music on a global stage.

Lastly, Kanisa Mwenda was a Ugandan activist and environmentalist who dedicated her life to promoting sustainable practices and preserving the natural resources of her country. Her efforts in the late 20th century were instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

While the name Kanisa has its roots in East Africa, it has since gained popularity in various parts of the world, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a testament to the rich diversity of human naming traditions.

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

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

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"Kanisa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 23, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kanisa-meaning-and-history/.

"Kanisa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kanisa-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 23 June, 2025

Kanisa first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kanisa-meaning-and-history/.

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