Everything about the name KEITA

Meaning, origin, history

Keita is a name of African origin, specifically from the Malinke ethnic group in West Africa. It is derived from the word "Kéïta," which means "thankful" or "grateful" in the Malinke language. The name has been popularized by famous individuals such as Keita Fodeba, a Senegalese politician and former Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, and Keita Bates-Diop, an American basketball player.

The history of the name Keita can be traced back to the Mali Empire in West Africa during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita, also known as the Lion of Mali, who was a legendary ruler and warrior from the Keita dynasty. Sundiata is credited with uniting the Malinke people and establishing the Mali Empire, which became one of the wealthiest and most powerful kingdoms in African history.

In the Mandinka culture, the Keita family is considered to be one of the noblest families, and the name Keita carries a sense of pride and prestige. The name has been passed down through generations and continues to be popular among the Malinke people today.

In recent years, the name Keita has gained international recognition due to its association with famous individuals such as Keita Fodeba and Keita Bates-Diop. However, despite its popularity, the meaning behind the name Keita remains largely unknown outside of West Africa.

Overall, Keita is a name that carries a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting the gratefulness and unity of the Malinke people in West Africa.

Popularity of the name KEITA since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Keita has been a presence in the United States for several decades now, with its popularity fluctuating over time according to Social Security Administration records from 1967 to 2002.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a moderate increase in babies named Keita. The highest number of births recorded during this period was 16 in 1975, indicating that the name had gained some traction among parents during this time.

However, popularity seemed to wane thereafter, as there were fewer than ten births each year between 1976 and 1983. The lowest point came in 1983 with only seven recorded births.

There was another brief spike in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with peaks of six births in both 1985 and 1988, followed by nine births in 1995. After this point, however, there were fewer than ten births each year until at least 2002.

Overall, from 1967 to 2002, there were a total of 189 babies named Keita born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name has had periods of popularity over time, it has never been one of the most common choices for parents naming their children during this period.