Find out how popular the first name Kanye has been for the last 22 years (from 2002 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kanye by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Kanye is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Kanye being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kanye.

The history of the first name Kanye

The given name Kanye has its origins in the Akan language spoken by the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. The name is derived from the word "kan" which means "one" or "only" and "ye" which means "born." Together, the name Kanye signifies "the only one born" or "the unique one."

This name has been in use among the Akan people for centuries, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. It was commonly given to children who were the only child born to their parents or who were born after a long period of infertility, signifying their uniqueness and the special circumstances surrounding their birth.

In the Akan culture, names hold great significance and are often chosen based on the day of the week a child is born, events surrounding their birth, or the traits and qualities that their parents wish for them to possess. The name Kanye reflects the Akan belief in the importance of each individual's unique identity and the idea that every child is a special gift.

Historically, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kanye. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kanye Nkansah, a prominent Akan chief who lived in the 16th century and was known for his wisdom and leadership during a time of political upheaval in the region.

Another notable figure was Kanye Opoku, a renowned Akan scholar and linguist who lived in the 18th century and made significant contributions to the preservation and study of the Akan language and culture.

In the 19th century, Kanye Mensah was a prominent Ghanaian merchant and trader who played a crucial role in facilitating economic and cultural exchange between the Akan people and European traders along the West African coast.

Moving into the 20th century, Kanye Kwesi Appiah was a Ghanaian educator and activist who fought for the rights of his people during the struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

More recently, the name gained global recognition with the American rapper, producer, and fashion designer Kanye West, who was born in 1977 and has had a significant impact on popular culture with his music and artistic endeavors.

While the name Kanye may have gained broader recognition in recent times, its roots can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of the Akan people, where it has held a special significance for centuries, representing the unique and precious nature of each individual life.

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

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

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