Find out how popular the first name Keiyana has been for the last 24 years (from 1989 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Keiyana by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Keiyana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Keiyana.

The history of the first name Keiyana

Keiyana is a feminine given name with roots tracing back to the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. The name is believed to have originated around the 16th to 18th centuries, coinciding with the height of the Yoruba empire in the region.

The name Keiyana is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "keji," which means "second born," and the suffix "ana," commonly used in Yoruba names to denote a female. This suggests that the name was initially given to second-born daughters in Yoruba families, reflecting the cultural significance of birth order.

While the name does not appear to have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its roots in the Yoruba language and culture make it an integral part of the rich tapestry of African naming traditions. The earliest recorded examples of the name Keiyana can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, during the height of the transatlantic slave trade, when many Yoruba people were forcibly brought to the Americas.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Keiyana was Keiyana Oluwole, a Yoruba woman born in the late 18th century in what is now present-day Nigeria. Although little is known about her life, her name stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Yoruba naming traditions.

Another notable figure was Keiyana Adebola, a Yoruba scholar and teacher who lived in the mid-19th century. She was known for her contributions to preserving Yoruba language and culture, and her writings on Yoruba folklore and oral traditions.

In the 20th century, Keiyana Ogunleye, a Nigerian artist and activist born in 1925, gained recognition for her vibrant paintings depicting Yoruba cultural themes and her advocacy for women's rights. Her work helped introduce Yoruba art and culture to a global audience.

Keiyana Akinola, a Yoruba-American writer and poet born in 1968, has gained acclaim for her powerful poetry exploring themes of identity, diaspora, and the African American experience. Her works have been widely anthologized and celebrated for their lyrical and evocative language.

Lastly, Keiyana Fakunle, a Nigerian-born professional basketball player born in 1989, has made her mark in the sports world. She has played for several international teams and has been recognized for her exceptional skills on the court, as well as her dedication to promoting women's sports in Africa.

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

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

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