Find out how popular the first name Nneka has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nneka by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Nneka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nneka.

The history of the first name Nneka

The name Nneka originates from the Igbo language, spoken by the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words, "nne" meaning "mother" and "ka" meaning "higher than" or "greater than." Therefore, the name Nneka can be interpreted as "mother is supreme" or "mother is greater."

The Igbo people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries, and their naming practices often reflect their values and beliefs. Nneka is a name that honors the importance of motherhood and the reverence accorded to mothers in Igbo society.

While the exact origin of the name Nneka is difficult to pinpoint, it is believed to have been in use among the Igbo people for centuries. The name has been mentioned in various Igbo folktales and proverbs, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nneka dates back to the 18th century, when it was recorded in historical documents as the name of a prominent Igbo woman who played a significant role in the political and social affairs of her community.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nneka. One such person is Nneka Ede, a Nigerian writer and educator born in 1931. She is renowned for her contributions to children's literature and her efforts in promoting literacy and education in Nigeria.

Another famous bearer of the name is Nneka Onyili-Ikpe, born in 1958, a Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has played a crucial role in addressing issues of gender-based violence and discrimination in Nigeria.

In the realm of music, Nneka Egbuna, better known as Nneka, is a Nigerian-German singer-songwriter born in 1980. Her music often explores themes of social justice, identity, and personal empowerment, and she has gained international recognition for her unique blend of genres and powerful lyrics.

The name Nneka has also been carried by notable historical figures, such as Nneka Anara, a 19th-century Igbo woman who played a significant role in the resistance against British colonial rule in southeastern Nigeria.

Lastly, Nneka Ede-Amaka, born in 1932, was a pioneering Nigerian architect and urban planner. She was one of the first female architects in Nigeria and made significant contributions to the development of sustainable and culturally-sensitive urban planning practices.

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

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

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