Find out how popular the first name Rokia has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rokia by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Rokia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rokia.

The history of the first name Rokia

The name Rokia has its origins in the Bambara language spoken by the Bambara people of Mali. Bambara is a Mande language and one of the largest vernacular languages in West Africa. The name Rokia likely derives from the Bambara word "roko," which means "joy" or "happiness."

In ancient times, the Bambara were a significant ethnic group within the Mali Empire, which flourished in the 13th to 17th centuries. The empire was renowned for its wealth, trade, and cultural achievements, including the famous University of Timbuktu. It is possible that the name Rokia was prevalent during this era among the Bambara people.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Rokia can be found in the Epic of Sundiata, a medieval oral tradition that recounts the life of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire. The epic, which dates back to the 13th century, mentions a character named Rokia, although the exact details of her role are unclear.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Rokia. One of the most famous is Rokia Traoré, a renowned Malian singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1974. Her music blends traditional Malian sounds with elements of jazz, rock, and folk, and she has gained international acclaim for her innovative style and socially conscious lyrics.

Another notable figure is Rokia Koné, a Malian politician and human rights activist born in 1951. She has served as a member of the National Assembly of Mali and has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality in her country.

In the world of literature, Rokia Ba is a celebrated Senegalese writer and academic born in 1934. Her works, including the novel "Un Chant Écarlate," explore themes of identity, gender, and post-colonial experiences in West Africa.

Rokia Bamba, born in 1983, is a Burkinabé professional basketball player who has competed in several international tournaments, including the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup.

Finally, Rokia Meguire, born in 1978, is a British-Malian artist and photographer known for her portraiture and documentary work exploring themes of identity, diaspora, and cross-cultural experiences.

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

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

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