Find out how popular the first name Tanganyika has been for the last 9 years (from 1974 to 1982) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tanganyika by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Tanganyika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1982, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tanganyika.

The history of the first name Tanganyika

The name Tanganyika is derived from the eponymous Tanganyika territory, a former sovereign state that is now part of modern-day Tanzania. The name itself traces its roots to the Tanganyika Lake, which spans across Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The lake's name is believed to originate from the Bemba language, spoken in parts of Zambia, where the word "tanga" means "to traverse" or "to sail across," and "nyika" means "wilderness" or "uninhabited lands."

Historically, the name Tanganyika gained prominence in the late 19th century during the Scramble for Africa, when European colonial powers vied for control over African territories. In 1891, the German East Africa Company established a colonial presence in the region, and the territory became known as German East Africa. After World War I, the League of Nations granted a mandate over the territory to the United Kingdom, and it was renamed Tanganyika Territory.

The earliest recorded use of the name Tanganyika can be found in historical records and maps from the late 19th century, documenting the colonization efforts of European powers in the region. However, the name itself predates these colonial records and has been used by local indigenous communities for centuries.

While the name Tanganyika is not widely used as a personal name, there are a few notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history. One of the most famous is Tanganyika Zanzibar, also known as Tan Zanzibar, an American musician and songwriter born in 1952. He is best known for his work with the band Mother's Finest in the 1970s and 1980s.

Another notable figure is Tanganyika Valenti, an American actress born in 1959, who has appeared in various television shows and films, including "Seinfeld" and "The Sopranos." Additionally, there is Tanganyika Munyika, a Zimbabwean politician and activist who served as a member of parliament in the 1990s and fought for women's rights and gender equality.

Other individuals with the name Tanganyika include Tanganyika Zulu, a South African model and beauty pageant contestant who competed in the Miss Universe pageant in 2011, and Tanganyika Nkhoma, a Malawian writer and poet who published several collections of poems in the 1980s and 1990s.

While not a widely used personal name, Tanganyika carries historical significance and cultural associations with the region it represents, serving as a reminder of the rich history and diverse cultures of East Africa.

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

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

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