Find out how popular the first name Kebra has been for the last 23 years (from 1975 to 1997) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kebra by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Kebra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1997, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kebra.

The history of the first name Kebra

The given name Kebra traces its origins to the Ge'ez language, an ancient Semitic tongue that was once prevalent across parts of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Ge'ez was the primary liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and it is closely related to Arabic and Hebrew.

In Ge'ez, the word "kebra" carries the meaning of "glory" or "honor," and it is believed to have been derived from the root word "kb'r," which signifies greatness or prominence. This linguistic connection suggests that the name Kebra may have been bestowed upon individuals who were held in high regard or esteemed for their accomplishments or status within their respective communities.

One of the earliest and most notable historical references to the name Kebra can be found in the Kebra Nagast, an ancient and revered text within Ethiopian tradition. This literary work, which dates back to the 14th century, chronicles the lineage of the Solomonic dynasty and its ties to the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The text itself is named after the term "Kebra Nagast," which translates to "Glory of Kings" in Ge'ez.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kebra. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kebra Masqal (c. 1520 - c. 1583), a renowned Ethiopian philosopher, theologian, and scholar who made significant contributions to the interpretation and dissemination of the Kebra Nagast text. His writings and teachings played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of Ethiopia during the 16th century.

Another noteworthy figure bearing the name Kebra was Kebra Mika'el (c. 1640 - c. 1700), a prominent Ethiopian nobleman and military leader who served as the Ras (governor) of Damot during the reign of Emperor Fasilides. Kebra Mika'el was instrumental in defending the kingdom against foreign invaders and is celebrated for his bravery and strategic acumen in battle.

In the realm of literature, Kebra Negadras (c. 1850 - c. 1920) was an esteemed Ethiopian poet and writer who composed numerous works that celebrated the country's rich cultural heritage and explored themes of national identity and pride. His poetic compositions were widely acclaimed and have been preserved as part of Ethiopia's literary canon.

Moving into more modern times, Kebra Markos (1920 - 2005) was an influential Ethiopian artist and sculptor who gained international recognition for his intricate and symbolic works, which often drew inspiration from traditional Ethiopian art forms and motifs. His sculptures and installations can be found in various museums and public spaces around the world.

Lastly, Kebra Nagast Gezahegne (1939 - 2018) was a renowned Ethiopian historian and scholar who dedicated his life to researching and preserving the country's ancient historical records and manuscripts. His extensive work on the Kebra Nagast text and its cultural significance earned him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades within academic circles.

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

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