Find out how popular the first name Kunte has been for the last 2 years (from 1977 to 1978) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kunte by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Kunte is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1978, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kunte.

The history of the first name Kunte

The given name Kunte is believed to have originated from the Akan people of West Africa, specifically in modern-day Ghana and Ivory Coast. Its roots can be traced back to the 16th century or earlier, during the height of the great medieval Akan empires in the region.

In the Akan language, Kunte is derived from the word "kuntene," which means "wanderer" or "traveler." This suggests that the name may have been given to children born during times of migration or those destined for a life of exploration and adventure.

While there are no known direct references to the name Kunte in ancient texts or religious scriptures, some historians have speculated that it may be related to the Akan concept of the "sunsum," or the spiritual essence that is believed to wander and travel between different realms of existence.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kunte can be found in oral traditions and genealogical records of the Akan people, although specific dates are difficult to pinpoint due to the nature of these sources.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Kunte was a renowned Akan warrior and military strategist who lived in the late 17th century. While his exact birth and death dates are unknown, he is said to have played a pivotal role in the defense of the Akan kingdoms against invading forces.

Another notable figure was Kunte Kinte, a West African man who was captured and enslaved in the late 18th century. His story was immortalized in the novel and television series "Roots" by Alex Haley, bringing the name to widespread recognition in the Western world.

In the 19th century, Kunte Kojo was a celebrated Akan linguist and scholar who made significant contributions to the documentation and preservation of the Akan language and culture.

During the 20th century, Kunte Ahiaku was a prominent Ghanaian politician and activist who played a key role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

More recently, Kunte Kinsie was a renowned Ivorian writer and poet who gained international acclaim for his works exploring themes of identity, diaspora, and the African experience.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kunte, 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!