Find out how popular the first name Nakina has been for the last 12 years (from 1975 to 1986) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nakina by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Nakina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1986, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nakina.

The history of the first name Nakina

The given name Nakina has its origins in the Native American Mohawk language. It is believed to have emerged in the regions around present-day New York state and Ontario, Canada, where the Mohawk people have traditionally lived.

Nakina is derived from the Mohawk word "nakanahré," which translates to "a singular path" or "a unique path." This name is thought to have been given to individuals who were seen as following their own distinct journey or embracing their individuality.

While there are no definitive records of the name appearing in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is possible that the name was used within the oral traditions and storytelling practices of the Mohawk people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nakina can be found in the historical accounts of the French Jesuit missionary Jacques Bruyas, who lived among the Mohawk in the late 17th century. In his writings, Bruyas mentions a Mohawk woman named Nakina who played a significant role in fostering peaceful relations between her people and the French settlers.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nakina. One such person is Nakina Hepburn (1888-1970), a celebrated Mohawk basket weaver and artist from the Oshweken Reserve in Ontario. Her intricate and beautifully crafted baskets are now considered valuable cultural artifacts.

Another notable figure is Nakina Sharik (1915-2001), a Mohawk activist and educator who dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the Mohawk language and culture. She was instrumental in establishing language immersion programs and advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

In the realm of literature, Nakina Kapiloff (1927-2006) was a renowned Mohawk author and poet whose works explored themes of identity, cultural preservation, and the experiences of Indigenous people in contemporary society.

The name Nakina also gained recognition through Nakina Mills (1945-2022), a Mohawk artist and sculptor whose works celebrated the natural world and the spiritual connections between humans and the environment.

Lastly, Nakina Stonefish (1967-present) is a contemporary Mohawk filmmaker and director whose award-winning films have brought attention to the stories and perspectives of Indigenous communities.

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

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