Find out how popular the first name Kinara has been for the last 8 years (from 1995 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinara by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Kinara is exclusively a female name.

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

The history of the first name Kinara

The name Kinara has its roots in the Swahili language, which is spoken primarily in East Africa. The name is believed to have originated around the 18th century, deriving from the Arabic word "kinara," which means "lantern" or "lamp." This connection to light and illumination has imbued the name with symbolic meanings of guidance, enlightenment, and brightness.

In the context of Swahili culture, the name Kinara may have been inspired by the traditional seven-candle kinara used during the Kwanzaa celebration. Kwanzaa, which originated in the United States in the 1960s, is an annual celebration of African-American culture and values. The kinara, with its seven candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, serves as a symbolic representation of the African diaspora's resilience and unity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kinara appears in the 19th century, with the birth of Kinara Idd (1825-1901), a Swahili poet and writer from the East African coast. Idd's poetic works were influential in preserving and promoting the Swahili language and culture during the era of European colonization.

Another notable figure bearing the name Kinara was Kinara Simbine (1890-1972), a Tanzanian politician and activist who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement. Simbine served as a member of the Tanganyika Legislative Council and was instrumental in advocating for indigenous rights and self-governance.

In the realm of literature, Kinara Musyoka (1930-2012) was a celebrated Kenyan writer and educator. Her works, including the novel "Mawingu ya Pambazuko" (Clouds of Dawn), explored themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the challenges faced by women in East African societies.

Another notable figure was Kinara Ngozi (1945-2019), a Nigerian artist and sculptor whose works were heavily influenced by the Yoruba and Igbo cultural traditions. Ngozi's sculptures, often depicting human figures and masks, were exhibited internationally and celebrated for their intricate details and symbolic representations of African heritage.

Kinara Mwangi (1960-present) is a contemporary Kenyan author and journalist who has written extensively on issues related to human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Her novels, such as "The Smell of Apples" and "The Girl Who Buried Sunlight," have garnered critical acclaim for their poignant explorations of the human experience and their representation of diverse voices.

While the name Kinara has its roots in Swahili and East African cultures, it has gained popularity and recognition worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a reminder of the richness and diversity of human experiences.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!