Find out how popular the first name Nyarai has been for the last 10 years (from 2009 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nyarai by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Nyarai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nyarai.

The history of the first name Nyarai

The name Nyarai is of Shona origin, an ethnic group native to Zimbabwe and parts of neighboring countries in southern Africa. It is believed to have emerged in the 16th century or earlier during the establishment of the Mutapa Empire, a powerful kingdom that dominated the region.

The name Nyarai is derived from the Shona word "nyara," which means "to have" or "to possess." It is often interpreted as "one who possesses" or "the possessor," suggesting a sense of ownership, wealth, or authority. The name is commonly given to both boys and girls in Shona communities.

Historically, the name Nyarai has been associated with various figures in Shona oral traditions and folklore. Some accounts mention it as the name of a revered chief or leader from the distant past, while others attribute it to mythical or legendary characters. However, concrete historical records of individuals bearing this name are scarce before the 19th century.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nyarai was a Shona leader and activist named Nyarai Mushonga, who lived in the late 19th century. He played a significant role in resisting colonial encroachment and advocating for the rights of his people during the early stages of European colonization in Zimbabwe.

Another notable figure was Nyarai Tawengwa, a renowned Shona sculptor who lived from 1925 to 1979. He was a pioneer in the modern Shona sculpture movement and helped promote traditional Shona artistic expressions on an international scale.

In more recent times, Nyarai Kanogoiwa (1936-2019) was a celebrated Zimbabwean writer and poet. Her works, written in the Shona language, explored themes of cultural identity, social issues, and the struggles faced by women in her society.

Nyarai Kupara, born in 1963, is a respected Zimbabwean musician and singer-songwriter. She has gained recognition for her powerful voice and her contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Shona music.

Nyarai Makamba, born in 1975, is a prominent Zimbabwean business leader and entrepreneur. She has made significant contributions to the development of various industries, including mining, agriculture, and real estate, in her home country.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Nyarai throughout history, each making their mark in different fields and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the Shona people and Zimbabwe.

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

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

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