Find out how popular the first name Nairobi has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nairobi by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Nairobi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Nairobi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 172 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Nairobi.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Nairobi in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Nairobi

Nairobi is a name derived from the Maasai phrase "Enkare Nairobi," which translates to "cool water." It is the name of the capital city of Kenya and has its origins in the region's indigenous Maasai language and culture.

The name "Nairobi" first appeared in written records during the late 19th century, when British colonists established a settlement near the Nairobi River. The site was chosen due to its proximity to the cool, fresh water source, which was a rarity in the area's arid environment.

While the name itself does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it holds significant cultural importance for the Maasai people, who have inhabited the region for centuries. The Maasai were pastoralists who relied heavily on water sources for their livestock, making the "cool water" of Nairobi a valuable and revered resource.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nairobi was Nairobi Kuria, a Maasai warrior who lived in the late 19th century and played a crucial role in negotiating with the British colonists during the establishment of the settlement that would eventually become the city of Nairobi.

Another notable figure with the name Nairobi was Nairobi Mara, a Maasai leader and elder who was instrumental in preserving the traditional customs and knowledge of his people in the face of colonization and modernization. He lived from approximately 1880 to 1965.

In more recent history, Nairobi Gatheru (1920-2010) was a Kenyan politician and activist who fought for the country's independence from British rule. She was a prominent figure in the Mau Mau uprising and played a significant role in shaping Kenya's post-colonial political landscape.

Nairobi Muthoni (born 1985) is a contemporary Kenyan musician and songwriter who has gained international recognition for her fusion of traditional Maasai rhythms and melodies with modern genres like hip-hop and R&B.

Nairobi Kamau (born 1992) is a Kenyan-born American actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films, including the popular series "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

While the name Nairobi has gained global recognition due to the city's prominence, it remains deeply rooted in the Maasai culture and language, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the region's indigenous people.

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

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

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