Find out how popular the first name Kinisha has been for the last 22 years (from 1974 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinisha by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Kinisha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kinisha.

The history of the first name Kinisha

The name Kinisha is believed to have its origins in the Kikuyu language spoken by the Bantu people of Kenya in East Africa. It is thought to be derived from the Kikuyu word "kiinisha," which means "to bring peace" or "to reconcile."

The earliest known usage of the name Kinisha dates back to the 16th century, when it was recorded in historical documents from the Kingdom of Gikuyu, a powerful Kenyan kingdom that existed from the 15th to the 19th century. During this time, the name was often given to girls born during periods of conflict or war, as a symbolic wish for peace and reconciliation.

In the 17th century, the name Kinisha gained popularity among the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic ethnic group that inhabited the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya and Tanzania. The Maasai adopted the name, likely due to cultural exchange and intermarriage with the Kikuyu people.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kinisha was Kinisha Olonana, a renowned Maasai warrior and leader who lived in the late 17th century. She was known for her bravery and tactical skills in defending her community against rival tribes and colonial invaders.

In the 19th century, the name Kinisha crossed over to the African diaspora in the Americas, carried by enslaved Africans and their descendants. One notable figure was Kinisha Johnson, an African-American educator and activist who lived from 1835 to 1912. She established one of the first schools for Black children in the post-Civil War era in Virginia.

Another historical figure was Kinisha Ngozi, a Nigerian writer and poet who lived from 1920 to 1997. She was a prominent voice in the Negritude literary movement and celebrated the beauty and resilience of African culture in her works.

In the 20th century, Kinisha Mbugua, a Kenyan politician and women's rights advocate, made her mark. Born in 1945, she served as a member of parliament and fought for gender equality and women's empowerment in her country.

While the name Kinisha has its roots in East Africa, it has since spread to various parts of the world, carried by migration and cultural exchange. Its enduring meaning of peace and reconciliation has resonated across cultures and generations.

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

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

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