Find out how popular the first name Kwanzaa has been for the last 6 years (from 1990 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kwanzaa by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Kwanzaa is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 85% of people named Kwanzaa being female.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kwanzaa.

The history of the first name Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a relatively modern name, coined in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, the founder of the Kwanzaa celebration. It is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which translates to "first fruits." The name was created specifically for the Kwanzaa holiday, which was established as a Pan-African celebration of family, community, and culture.

The Swahili language, from which Kwanzaa originates, is a Bantu language spoken primarily in East and Central Africa. It has its roots in various indigenous African languages and has been influenced by Arabic, Persian, and other languages due to historical trade and cultural exchange in the region.

While the name Kwanzaa itself does not have a long historical record, it has become significant in recent decades as a symbol of African-American identity and cultural unity. It is closely associated with the Kwanzaa celebration, which incorporates various African traditions and values.

Since its inception in the late 1960s, Kwanzaa has been celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly within the African diaspora. While it is not a personal name in the traditional sense, it has been adopted as a given name by some individuals as a way to honor and embrace their African heritage.

It is important to note that Kwanzaa is a unique and distinct name, specifically created for the Kwanzaa holiday, and does not have a long historical lineage like many other given names. Its significance lies in its representation of African-American cultural identity and the celebration of unity, family, and community.

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

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

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