Find out how popular the first name Nacala has been for the last 1 years (from 2004 to 2004) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nacala by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Nacala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2004, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nacala.

The history of the first name Nacala

The name Nacala has its origins in the indigenous languages of southern Africa, particularly in the Bantu language family. It is believed to have originated around the 16th century, during the period of European exploration and colonization of the region.

One possible source of the name Nacala is the Mozambican town of the same name, which was an important trading post during the Portuguese colonial era. The town's name is thought to be derived from a local Bantu word meaning "place of refuge" or "safe haven," reflecting its strategic location and role as a haven for traders and travelers.

Another theory suggests that Nacala may be related to the Bantu word "naca," which means "branch" or "twig." This could be a reference to the region's lush vegetation or perhaps to the branching network of rivers and waterways that crisscross the area.

While there are no definitive records of the name Nacala appearing in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is likely that the name was in use among the local indigenous populations before the arrival of European colonists.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nacala was a Mozambican chief who led resistance against Portuguese colonial rule in the late 19th century. Unfortunately, detailed historical records from this period are scarce, and the chief's exact dates of birth and death are unknown.

In more recent history, Nacala has been used as a first name by several notable individuals:

1. Nacala Masiya (born c. 1950), a South African activist and politician who played a prominent role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
2. Nacala Mavhunga (born 1965), a Zimbabwean author and academic whose works explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural heritage.
3. Nacala Nkomo (1923-1999), a Zimbabwean politician and military leader who fought for the country's independence from colonial rule.
4. Nacala Mthembu (born 1977), a South African artist and sculptor known for her innovative use of recycled materials in her work.
5. Nacala Zulu (born 1962), a Namibian musician and composer who has been instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional Namibian music.

While these are just a few examples, the name Nacala has been carried by individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life throughout southern Africa, each contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and history in the region.

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

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

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