Find out how popular the first name Kiesha has been for the last 37 years (from 1974 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kiesha by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Kiesha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kiesha.

The history of the first name Kiesha

The name Kiesha is a modern variation of the English name Keisha, which is believed to have its origins in the African language of Yoruba. The Yoruba people are an ethnic group found primarily in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. The name Keisha is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "Olakiisha," which means "she has arrived with dignity" or "she is highly esteemed."

In the Yoruba culture, names often carry significant meaning and are chosen with great care. The name Keisha reflects the high regard and respect held for the child bearing it. While the exact origin and meaning of the variation "Kiesha" are not entirely clear, it is likely a modern spelling adaptation that emerged in the 20th century.

There are no known historical references to the name Kiesha in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, the earliest recorded examples of the name Keisha can be traced back to the late 19th century and early 20th century, particularly among African-American communities in the United States.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Keisha was Keisha Caine, an American actress born in 1948 who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. Another notable figure was Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, who held office from 2018 to 2022.

Other historical individuals with the name Keisha or its variation Kiesha include Keisha Buchanan, an English singer and former member of the girl group Sugababes, born in 1984; Keisha Castle-Hughes, a New Zealand actress born in 1990 who is best known for her role in the film "Whale Rider"; and Kiesha Nix, an American model and television personality born in 1990.

While the name Kiesha is not as widely used as its original form Keisha, it has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Its unique spelling and connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people have contributed to its appeal among parents seeking a name with a distinct meaning and history.

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

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

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