Find out how popular the first name Kiska has been for the last 1 years (from 1974 to 1974) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of unknown origin and meaning, possibly of Native American roots.
Based on the last 1 years of data, Kiska is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 1974, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kiska.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
1974 | 0 | 6 |
The name Kiska is believed to have originated from the Inuit language, spoken by the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of North America. It is thought to be derived from the Inuit word "qiqsuk," which means "a small island" or "an islet."
The earliest recorded use of the name Kiska can be traced back to the Aleutian Islands, a remote archipelago located in the northern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Alaska. The islands were inhabited by the Unangan people, who had close cultural ties with the Inuit communities. It is likely that the name Kiska was initially given to individuals born or residing on one of the smaller islands within the Aleutian chain.
In historical records, the name Kiska gained significance during World War II, when the island of the same name became a strategic military outpost. In June 1942, the Japanese forces occupied Kiska, prompting a fierce battle between the Allied and Axis powers for control of the island. The Battle of Kiska, which lasted from August 15 to August 24, 1943, resulted in a decisive victory for the Allied forces and the recapture of the island.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kiska was Kiska Kuluk, an Inuit woman from the Nunavut region of Canada, who lived in the late 19th century. Kuluk was known for her skilled craftsmanship in creating traditional Inuit clothing and artwork.
Another notable figure was Kiska Sivertsen, a Norwegian-Inuit explorer and hunter, born in 1904 in Greenland. Sivertsen gained fame for his expeditions across the Arctic regions, where he documented the traditional way of life of the Inuit people.
In the field of sports, Kiska Kuwayama, a Japanese-American athlete, made her mark in the 1960s. Kuwayama was a talented swimmer and diver, representing the United States in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The name Kiska also found its way into the world of literature through the works of Kiska Lutak, an Inuit author and storyteller from Alaska. Lutak's writings focused on preserving the oral traditions and cultural heritage of her people.
Lastly, Kiska Mendoza, a Chilean singer and songwriter, gained popularity in the 1980s for her fusion of traditional Latin American music with contemporary styles.
While the name Kiska may have its roots in the ancient Inuit culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and cultural divides, becoming a part of the global tapestry of names and identities.
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 Kiska was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Kiska first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 10, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kiska-meaning-and-history/.
"Kiska first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kiska-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 10 May, 2025
Kiska first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kiska-meaning-and-history/.
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