Find out how popular the first name Nyela has been for the last 26 years (from 1998 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nyela by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Nyela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nyela.

The history of the first name Nyela

The name Nyela is believed to have its origins in the Luhya language, spoken by the Luhya people of western Kenya and eastern Uganda. The Luhya are a Bantu ethnic group, and the name Nyela likely stems from the Luhya word "nyela," which means "to be kind" or "to be gentle."

In ancient times, the Luhya people inhabited the region around Lake Victoria, and their cultural practices and traditions date back several centuries. The name Nyela may have been used by the Luhya as a way to bestow upon a child the qualities of kindness and gentleness, which were highly valued in their society.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Nyela in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is possible that it was used by the Luhya people for generations before written records were kept. The earliest known mention of the name in written form dates back to the late 19th century, when European explorers and missionaries began documenting the languages and cultures of the region.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nyela was Nyela Obanda, a Luhya woman who lived in the late 19th century and was known for her role in preserving the traditional arts and crafts of her people. Another notable figure was Nyela Mukhwana, a Luhya chief who played a significant role in negotiating peace between rival clans in the early 20th century.

In more recent times, the name Nyela has gained recognition through various individuals, such as Nyela Wamala (1935-2010), a Ugandan politician and activist who fought for women's rights and gender equality. Nyela Basney (born 1962) is an American author and educator who has written extensively on African literature and culture.

Additionally, there was Nyela Masamba (1927-2005), a Kenyan writer and poet who was instrumental in preserving the oral traditions of the Luhya people through her works. Nyela Adongo (born 1982) is a Ugandan entrepreneur and philanthropist who has established several successful businesses and initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth in her community.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Nyela throughout history, each contributing to their respective fields and leaving a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

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

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

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