Find out how popular the first name Umoja has been for the last 1 years (from 1974 to 1974) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Umoja by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Umoja is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1974, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Umoja.

The history of the first name Umoja

The name Umoja is derived from the Swahili language, which is widely spoken in East Africa. It originated in the region that is now modern-day Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The name Umoja is a Swahili word that means "unity" or "oneness."

Umoja is a relatively modern name, and its origins can be traced back to the late 20th century. It gained popularity in the context of the pan-African movement, which aimed to promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African nations and people of African descent worldwide.

The earliest recorded use of the name Umoja seems to be in the context of various organizations, initiatives, and movements that embraced the principles of unity and cooperation. For instance, Umoja is the name of a village in Kenya that was founded in the 1990s by a group of women who sought to create a safe haven and promote self-reliance and empowerment.

While the name Umoja itself may not have been widely documented in ancient texts or historical records, its underlying concept of unity and oneness has been a recurring theme in various cultural and philosophical traditions across Africa.

One notable figure who bore the name Umoja was Umoja Karamu, an African-American playwright, and activist born in 1936. He was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement and co-founded the Suitcase Theatre in Washington, D.C., which aimed to promote the works of African-American playwrights.

Another individual with the name Umoja was Umoja Sasa, a South African musician, and activist who was born in 1965. He was known for his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement and his efforts to promote African culture and heritage through his music.

In the realm of sports, there was Umoja Labar, a professional basketball player from the United States, who played in various leagues around the world during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Umoja Sadiki was an African-American writer and educator who was born in 1948. He was a prominent figure in the Black Consciousness Movement and dedicated his life to promoting African-centered education and cultural awareness.

Lastly, Umoja Kalonji was a renowned African-American artist and sculptor who was born in 1935. His works celebrated African heritage and culture, and he was recognized for his contributions to the Black Arts Movement.

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

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