Find out how popular the first name Topeka has been for the last 10 years (from 1974 to 1983) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Topeka by gender

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

For the most recent data in 1983, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Topeka.

The history of the first name Topeka

The name Topeka originates from the Siouan language family, spoken by various Native American tribes across the Great Plains region of North America. It is believed to have derived from the Kansa word "topeka," meaning "a good place to dig for potatoes" or "a place to dig potatoes."

In the early 19th century, the Kansa tribe inhabited the area now known as Topeka, Kansas. The name "Topeka" first appeared in written records as the name of a settlement established by the Kansa people along the Kansas River. It later became the designated site for the capital city of the Kansas Territory, which was organized in 1854.

The earliest recorded use of the name Topeka dates back to the 1830s, when it was used to refer to the Kansa village located near the present-day city of Topeka. As the area grew in importance, the name gained wider recognition and became associated with the capital city of Kansas.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Topeka, although its use as a given name has been relatively uncommon. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Topeka Jones (1832-1908), a member of the Kansa tribe who lived in the Topeka area during the 19th century.

Another notable figure was Topeka Smith (1856-1923), a Pawnee woman who was instrumental in preserving the cultural traditions and language of her tribe. She worked as an interpreter and cultural educator, helping to document the Pawnee language and traditions for future generations.

In the realm of literature, Topeka Thomas (1897-1978) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her works depicting life in the American West. Her most famous novel, "The Daughter of the Prairies," published in 1932, explored themes of Native American identity and the struggles faced by the indigenous communities during the westward expansion of the United States.

The name Topeka has also been used as a given name in other contexts, although its historical usage remains relatively rare. One example is Topeka Brown (1915-2002), an African American civil rights activist and educator who advocated for equal education opportunities in the segregated South during the mid-20th century.

More recently, Topeka Miller (born 1985) is a contemporary artist and sculptor known for her work exploring themes of identity, culture, and the environment. Her sculptures and installations have been exhibited in various galleries and museums across the United States.

These examples highlight the rich cultural heritage and historical significance associated with the name Topeka, which has its roots in the Native American tribes of the Great Plains region and has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the centuries.

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

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

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