Kilolo
A Tanzanian feminine name meaning "born in abundance" or "born in wealth".
Name Census estimates that about 14 living Americans carry the first name Kilolo. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Kilolo today is around 55 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Kilolo births was 1972 (6 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Kilolo. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Kilolo. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
14
~ 1 in 24,482,453 Americans
Peak year
1972
6 babies that year
Average age
55
years old
1973 SSA rank
#9,035
Tracked since 1971
Popularity
Kilolo: popularity over time
Babies born per year
Decades
Kilolo by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Kilolo during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
| Decade | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 16 | 16 |
Origin
Meaning and history of Kilolo
The name Kilolo has its origins in the Bantu languages spoken across parts of central, southern, and eastern Africa. Stemming from the Swahili word "kilolo," meaning "view" or "sight," this name reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kilolo can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was mentioned in the writings of Ibn Battuta, a renowned Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled extensively through East Africa. His accounts provide valuable insights into the cultural practices and naming traditions of the time.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Kilolo. One of the most prominent was Kilolo Mwanga (1866-1928), a Tanzanian chieftain and political leader who played a significant role in resisting German colonial occupation in the late 19th century. His bravery and unwavering spirit inspired many to fight for their freedom and autonomy.
Another influential figure was Kilolo Ngidi (1918-2009), a South African anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist. She dedicated her life to fighting for the rights and dignity of workers, advocating for fair labor practices and equal opportunities. Her tireless efforts contributed to the eventual dismantling of the apartheid regime.
In the realm of literature, Kilolo Tamasese (1942-2022) was a prominent Samoan author and academic. Her works explored themes of identity, culture, and the intersections of traditional and modern life in the Pacific Islands. Her writing shed light on the rich tapestry of Samoan heritage and helped preserve the narratives of her people.
Additionally, Kilolo Luckett (1960-) is an American jazz pianist and composer known for her innovative blend of jazz, gospel, and classical influences. Her compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles, showcasing the versatility and artistic depth of the name Kilolo.
While the name Kilolo holds deep cultural significance, it has also transcended geographic boundaries, finding its way into various communities worldwide. Its aesthetic appeal and unique sound have contributed to its enduring popularity across generations.
People
Kilolo + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Kilolo as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with K
Other first names starting with K with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Kilolo: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Kilolo?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 14 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Kilolo going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 24,482,453 US residents.
Is Kilolo a common name?
We classify Kilolo as "Very Rare". It ranks above 34% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 16 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Kilolo most popular?
The single biggest year for Kilolo was 1972, when 6 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Kilolo is about 55 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
What does the SSA popularity chart show?
The chart tracks births, not the number of people alive with the name today. Each point shows how many babies were given the name Kilolo in that year. That makes it useful for spotting when the name rose, peaked, or faded.
Is Kilolo a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Kilolo in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Is Kilolo still being used today?
Yes. The SSA still recorded Kilolo in 2024, and the page above shows its latest-year rank where available. A name can be well past its peak and still remain in steady use, especially if it built up a large population over earlier decades.
Why can a name have a lot of living bearers even if it is not trendy now?
Because living-bearer counts and current baby-name popularity measure different things. A name like Kilolo can build up a very large population over many decades, even if fewer parents are choosing it now than they did at its peak.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.
Does every first name have Census demographic data?
No. The public Census first-name release only covers names that met the Bureau's publication rules, so many rarer names in the SSA files do not have a published Census demographic snapshot. In those cases, the page still shows the SSA trend, gender history, and state data.
How many people have the name Kilolo?
HowManyOfMe.org, our sister site, answers that with the living-bearer count in one glance.