Find out how popular the first name Kidane has been for the last 5 years (from 1998 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kidane by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Kidane is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kidane.

The history of the first name Kidane

The given name Kidane has its origins in the Semitic languages of the Horn of Africa, particularly in the Tigrinya language spoken in Eritrea and the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The name can be traced back to the ancient Ge'ez language, which was the precursor to modern Ethiopic languages and was widely used for religious and literary purposes in the region.

Kidane is derived from the Ge'ez root word "qddnā," which means "holy" or "sacred." The name is often associated with reverence and devotion, and it has been used in the region for centuries. In the context of the Christian faith, which has been present in the Horn of Africa since the 4th century CE, the name Kidane may have been given to children as a way to express a spiritual connection or a wish for a life of holiness and piety.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kidane can be found in the Kebra Nagast, an important literary work that dates back to the 14th century and chronicles the legendary origins of the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. The text mentions Kidane as the name of a prominent figure, indicating that the name was in use during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kidane. One of the most famous was Kidane Weld Kifle (1876-1936), an Eritrean political and religious leader who played a significant role in the resistance against Italian colonization in the early 20th century. Another prominent figure was Kidane Mehret (1923-1998), an Ethiopian historian and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Ethiopian history and culture.

In the realm of literature, the name Kidane is associated with Kidane Mehret Gebremariam (1940-2021), an Eritrean poet, novelist, and playwright whose works explored themes of identity, exile, and the struggle for independence. Additionally, Kidane Amlak (1919-2006) was an Ethiopian scholar and diplomat who served as the country's ambassador to several nations.

Another notable bearer of the name was Kidane Mensur (1939-2020), an Eritrean politician and independence activist who played a crucial role in the Eritrean liberation struggle and later served as the country's first ambassador to the United States after independence in 1993.

While the name Kidane has deep historical roots and significance in the Horn of Africa, it has also gained recognition globally, particularly within the Eritrean and Ethiopian diasporas. The name continues to be popular among families who wish to honor their cultural heritage and pass down the values associated with holiness and reverence.

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

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

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