Find out how popular the first name Reka has been for the last 36 years (from 1974 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reka by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Reka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Reka.

The history of the first name Reka

The name Reka finds its origins in the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word "reka," which means "line" or "streak." The name gained popularity in regions where Sanskrit was spoken and studied, particularly in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Reka can be found in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century BCE. In this ancient text, Reka is mentioned as the name of a minor character, although details about their role or significance are scarce.

In the realm of historical figures, the name Reka has been associated with several notable individuals throughout various periods. One such figure is Reka Kushan, a ruler of the Kushan Empire in the 2nd century CE. Reka Kushan is credited with expanding the empire's territories and promoting cultural and economic prosperity during her reign.

Another prominent individual bearing the name Reka was Reka Devi, a 16th-century queen consort of the Vijayanagar Empire in South India. Reka Devi was known for her philanthropic efforts and patronage of the arts, particularly in the field of architecture and temple construction.

In the realm of literature, the name Reka has been associated with the 19th-century Bengali poet Reka Chandra Dutta. Born in 1837, Reka Chandra Dutta was a notable figure in the Bengal Renaissance movement and contributed significantly to the development of modern Bengali poetry.

Moving into the 20th century, Reka Chakraborty was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived from 1917 to 1998. She played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the traditional dance forms of Odissi and Chhau, and her contributions to the field of dance were widely recognized and celebrated.

It is worth noting that while the name Reka has its roots in Sanskrit and ancient Indian culture, it has been embraced and adopted in various forms across different regions and cultures over time. The name's meaning and significance may have evolved or been reinterpreted in different contexts, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and adaptation.

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

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

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