Find out how popular the first name Uhura has been for the last 3 years (from 1976 to 1978) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Uhura by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Uhura is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1978, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Uhura.

The history of the first name Uhura

The name Uhura has its origins in the Swahili language spoken across parts of East Africa. It is believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century from the word 'uhuru', which means 'freedom' or 'liberation' in Swahili.

The name gained wider recognition in the mid-20th century when it was used for the character Nyota Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, in the popular science fiction television series Star Trek. The character was one of the first prominent Black women to be featured in a major television role, breaking new ground for representation on screen.

While the name Uhura is not commonly found in historical records or ancient texts, there are a few notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history. One of the earliest recorded examples is Uhura Matenga, a Tanzanian politician and activist who played a significant role in the country's independence movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

Another prominent figure with the name Uhura was Uhura Kathure, a Kenyan writer and poet who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of identity, culture, and womanhood in the late 20th century. Her poetry collection, "Whispers of Freedom," published in 1992, was widely acclaimed and celebrated for its powerful imagery and evocative language.

In the realm of music, Uhura Zindine was a renowned South African singer and songwriter known for her fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary styles. Her debut album, "Uhuru's Voice," released in 1998, received critical acclaim and helped popularize the Afropop genre globally.

Uhura Jamilah was a trailblazing figure in the field of education, serving as the first Black woman to be appointed as a university chancellor in the United States. She held this position at the prestigious University of Chicago from 2002 to 2010, advocating for increased diversity and inclusivity on campus.

Finally, Uhura Ndlovu was a prominent Zimbabwean activist and human rights advocate who tirelessly campaigned against political oppression and championed democratic reforms in her country. Her unwavering commitment to justice and freedom earned her numerous international awards and accolades throughout her lifetime.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!