Find out how popular the first name Keisha has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Keisha by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Keisha is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Keisha being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 70 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Keisha.

The history of the first name Keisha

The name Keisha is believed to have its origins in the African American community, particularly in the southern United States, in the mid-20th century. It is thought to be a variation or feminized version of the male name Keefe, which itself is a form of the Irish name Keeffe or Keevan, derived from the Gaelic word "caomh" meaning "handsome" or "gentle."

While the exact origins of the name Keisha are uncertain, it is speculated that African American families may have adopted or adapted the name from Irish immigrants or influences, giving it a unique cultural spin and pronunciation. The name gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Black Power movement and the embrace of African-inspired names.

One of the earliest recorded notable individuals with the name Keisha was Keisha Castle-Hughes, a New Zealand actress born in 1990. She rose to fame for her role in the 2002 film "Whale Rider," for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at the age of 13, making her the youngest nominee in that category.

Another prominent figure was Keisha Buchan, a British singer-songwriter born in 1984, known professionally as Keisha Buchanan. She was a founding member and lead vocalist of the popular British girl group Sugababes.

In the world of sports, Keisha Hampton, an American track and field athlete born in 1985, competed in the Olympic Games and won multiple medals, including a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Keisha Renee Hurtado, born in 1987, is a former American actress and singer best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the "High School Musical" television series.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, born in 1970, is an American politician who served as the 60th mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 2018 to 2022.

While the name Keisha became popular in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the African American community, its origins can be traced back to various cultural influences, showcasing the rich diversity and evolution of names across time and societies.

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

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

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