Find out how popular the first name Kiva has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kiva by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kiva is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 96% of people named Kiva being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kiva.

The history of the first name Kiva

The name Kiva has its origins in the Hopi language, spoken by the indigenous Hopi people of northeastern Arizona. The word "kiva" refers to a sacred underground chamber used for religious rituals and ceremonies. These kivas were an integral part of Hopi culture and played a significant role in their spiritual practices.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kiva dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors encountered the Hopi people and documented their customs and way of life. The name gained wider recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as anthropologists and researchers studied and wrote about the Hopi culture.

One of the earliest known individuals named Kiva was Kiva, a Hopi leader and spokesperson who played a crucial role in the Hopi Revolt of 1680. This uprising was a rebellion against Spanish colonial rule and an attempt to preserve the Hopi way of life.

Another notable figure was Kiva Tewa, a Hopi artist and potter who lived in the late 19th century. Her intricate pottery designs and traditional techniques helped to preserve and promote Hopi art and culture.

In the world of literature, Kiva is the title of a novel published in 1890 by Adolph Bandelier. The book, based on the author's experiences with the Puebloan peoples of the American Southwest, helped to popularize the name and raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Kiva Motioner, an American artist and activist born in 1954, is known for her work promoting Native American rights and environmental causes. She has used her art and platform to raise awareness about issues affecting indigenous communities.

One of the most famous individuals named Kiva is Kiva Mtekateka, a Zimbabwean sculptor and artist born in 1944. His unique style, which combines traditional African and contemporary influences, has earned him international recognition and numerous awards.

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

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

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