Find out how popular the first name Wanjiku has been for the last 1 years (from 1998 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wanjiku by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Wanjiku is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Wanjiku.

The history of the first name Wanjiku

The name Wanjiku is a Gikuyu name of Kenyan origin, specifically from the Kikuyu people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. It is a feminine given name that has its roots in the Bantu language family, which is widely spoken across large parts of Africa.

Wanjiku is believed to be derived from the Gikuyu word "njoke," which means "sacrifice" or "offering." This suggests that the name may have had spiritual or religious connotations in its early usage among the Kikuyu people. The prefix "wa-" is a common honorific in Gikuyu names, indicating a connection to a particular clan or lineage.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Wanjiku in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its linguistic origins can be traced back to the pre-colonial era in Kenya. The earliest recorded examples of the name likely date back to the 18th or 19th century, although exact dates are difficult to pinpoint due to the primarily oral tradition of name-giving among the Kikuyu people.

One of the most notable historical figures who bore the name Wanjiku was Wanjiku Wakahinga, a Kikuyu woman who lived in the late 19th century and was known for her involvement in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya. Another famous Wanjiku was Wanjiku Gachiri, a Kenyan politician and women's rights activist who served as a member of parliament in the 1970s and 1980s.

In the literary realm, Wanjiku Kabira was a prominent Kenyan author and academic who wrote extensively on issues of gender, culture, and social justice. She was born in 1943 and passed away in 2019. Wanjiku Muhia-Muruthi, born in 1949, is a renowned Kenyan artist and sculptor whose works have been exhibited internationally.

Lastly, Wanjiku Muthoni was a Kenyan freedom fighter who actively participated in the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule in the 1950s. She played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the independence movement and was imprisoned for her activism.

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

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

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