Everything about the name KUNTA
Meaning, origin, history
In the Mandinka language, "Kun" means "king," while "ta" means "wait." Therefore, the name Kunta translates to "King awaits" or "The king is coming." This powerful name was likely given to a child expected to grow up into a strong leader or someone who would achieve great things.
One of the most famous bearers of this name is Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley's novel "Roots: The Saga of an American Family." Although Kunta Kinte is a fictional character, his story has brought significant attention to the name and its origins. In the novel, Kunta Kinte is a young man who is kidnapped from his home in Gambia and sold into slavery in America.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding many bearers of this name throughout history, such as Kunta Kinte, the name Kunta continues to be associated with strength, resilience, and leadership. It remains a popular choice among parents who wish to honor African heritage and culture.
In summary, Kunta is an African name of Mandinka origin that translates to "King awaits" or "The king is coming." Its powerful meaning has contributed to its enduring popularity, despite the tragic history of some bearers of this name.
Popularity of the name KUNTA since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name Kunta has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. In 1977, it was born to 215 newborns, marking its peak year for births that decade. However, the following year, 1978, saw a significant drop with only 52 babies being named Kunta.
This decreasing trend continued into the next few years, with 16 births in 1979 and 9 in 1980. There was then a gap of nearly two decades before the name resurfaced with 5 births in 1999 and 6 in the year 2000.
In total, from 1977 to 2000, there were 303 babies named Kunta born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents who wish to give their child a notable moniker.