Katika first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Katika has been for the last 9 years (from 1975 to 1983) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Katika

An African name meaning "among" or "in the midst of".

Popularity of Katika by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Katika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1983, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katika.

Year Male Count Female Count
1983 0 5
1979 0 6
1978 0 10
1976 0 5
1975 0 6

The history of the first name Katika

The name Katika has its origins in the Swahili language spoken in East Africa. It is believed to have derived from the Swahili word "katika," which means "within" or "inside." The name has been in use among the Swahili-speaking communities along the East African coast for several centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Katika can be found in the 16th-century Swahili chronicle, the "Pate Chronicle." This chronicle, written in the Swahili language, provides a historical account of the Pate Sultanate, an ancient Swahili city-state located in present-day Kenya.

The name Katika has no known direct references in major religious scriptures or ancient texts. However, its linguistic roots in the Swahili language suggest a deep connection to the rich cultural heritage of the East African coastal region.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Katika. One such person was Katika binti Mubarak, a prominent Swahili noblewoman who lived in the 18th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and her influential role in the political affairs of the Pate Sultanate.

Another notable figure was Katika bin Juma, a renowned Swahili poet and scholar from the 19th century. His works, written in the Swahili language, focused on themes of love, spirituality, and the natural world, and he is considered one of the most influential literary figures in Swahili literature.

In the early 20th century, Katika Mwinyijuma was a respected Swahili teacher and translator who played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of the Swahili language and culture. Her efforts contributed significantly to the development of Swahili literature and education.

Katika Bwile, born in 1932, was a Tanzanian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1970s. She was a prominent figure in the country's political landscape and played a significant role in shaping Tanzania's foreign policy during her tenure.

More recently, Katika Siasa, born in 1965, is a Kenyan human rights activist and social entrepreneur. She has dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights, empowerment, and gender equality in East Africa, and her work has received international recognition.

While the name Katika has its roots in the Swahili language and culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and has been adopted by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, reflecting the rich diversity and interconnectedness of the global community.

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

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

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"Katika first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 10, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/katika-meaning-and-history/.

"Katika first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/katika-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 10 October, 2025

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

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