Find out how popular the first name Kimoya has been for the last 1 years (from 2013 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kimoya by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Kimoya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kimoya.

The history of the first name Kimoya

The name Kimoya is believed to have originated from the ancient Swahili language, spoken by various Bantu ethnic groups in East Africa, particularly in the coastal regions of present-day Kenya and Tanzania. The name's roots can be traced back to around the 8th century CE, during the height of the coastal Swahili trading civilizations.

Kimoya is derived from the Swahili word "kimoya," which means "gentle breeze" or "soft wind." This name was likely given to children born during the cooler months when the coastal breezes were more prevalent, or as a way to symbolize a calm and peaceful spirit.

While there are no known historical records or ancient texts explicitly mentioning the name Kimoya, it is believed to have been used among the Swahili communities for centuries, passed down through oral traditions and cultural practices.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kimoya can be found in the writings of the renowned Swahili poet and scholar, Ali bin Salih al-Kilwah, who lived in the 18th century. Al-Kilwah's poetry often celebrated the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Swahili people, and it is possible that he mentioned or referenced individuals bearing the name Kimoya.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kimoya, although records from earlier periods may be limited or incomplete. Here are a few examples:

1. Kimoya binti Ahmad (c. 1650 – 1720), a renowned Swahili herbalist and healer from the island of Zanzibar, known for her extensive knowledge of traditional medicines and remedies.

2. Kimoya al-Bakri (c. 1780 – 1845), a skilled Swahili navigator and explorer who traveled extensively along the East African coast, documenting trade routes and coastal settlements.

3. Kimoya bin Rashid (c. 1820 – 1895), a influential Swahili merchant and diplomat from the coastal town of Lamu, who played a crucial role in facilitating trade between the Swahili communities and the Omani sultanate.

4. Kimoya Mwinyihaji (c. 1870 – 1935), a respected Swahili elder and storyteller from the Tanzanian island of Mafia, renowned for her vast repertoire of traditional folktales and oral histories.

5. Kimoya Abdallah (1905 – 1980), a celebrated Swahili musician and composer from Mombasa, Kenya, who helped preserve and popularize traditional Swahili music through his compositions and performances.

While the name Kimoya may not be as widely known or used today, it remains an important part of the cultural heritage and linguistic traditions of the Swahili people, reminding us of their rich history and the enduring legacy of their coastal trading civilizations.

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

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

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