Find out how popular the first name Yakima has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yakima by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Yakima is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yakima.

The history of the first name Yakima

Yakima is a given name originating from the Yakama Native American tribe, who are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, particularly in present-day Washington state. The name is derived from the Sahaptin language spoken by the Yakama people, and it is believed to mean "runaway" or "wanderer."

The Yakama tribe has a rich cultural heritage that can be traced back thousands of years. They were known for their skilled horsemanship, fishing, and basket weaving traditions. The name Yakima likely emerged from this cultural context, reflecting the tribe's nomadic lifestyle and their connection to the land.

While there are no known ancient texts or religious scriptures that specifically mention the name Yakima, historical records and accounts from early European explorers and settlers in the region provide insights into the Yakama tribe and their way of life. These records often refer to the tribe and their territory, which was centered around the Yakima River.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Yakima was a Yakama chief who lived in the late 18th century. Known as Chief Yakima, he led his people during a period of increasing contact and conflict with European settlers and fur traders in the region. Another notable figure was Yakima Canutt, an American rodeo rider, stunt performer, and actor who lived from 1895 to 1986. He performed stunts in numerous Western films and is considered a pioneer in the field of stunt work.

In the world of sports, Yakima Quarles was a professional baseball player who played in the Negro leagues in the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his exceptional fielding abilities and played for teams like the Kansas City Monarchs and the Birmingham Black Barons. Yakima Ricks, born in 1939, was a professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1960s and 1970s.

Another notable individual with the name Yakima was Yakima Canutt, a renowned Native American artist and painter who lived from 1919 to 2009. He was known for his vibrant depictions of Native American life and landscapes, and his works were widely exhibited and collected.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who carried the name Yakima, which has its roots in the rich cultural traditions of the Yakama Native American tribe and their ancestral lands in the Pacific Northwest.

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

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

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