Kenyatta is a unique and distinctive given name of African origin. It is derived from the Maasai people of Kenya, East Africa, and translates to "having a steady hand." The name has gained international recognition primarily due to its association with Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, who held office from 1964 until his death in 1978.
Jomo Kenyatta was born as Kamau wa Ngengi on October 20, 1897, near Gatundu, Kiambu County. He later adopted the name Johnstone during his education but eventually chose Jomo Kenyatta as his official moniker. The name Kenyatta itself means "having a steady hand" in Maasai language.
The use of Kenyatta as a given name has since become more prevalent, both within Kenya and among the African diaspora worldwide. It is often chosen by parents who wish to honor Kenya's independence struggle and its first leader, Jomo Kenyatta. The name also carries connotations of strength, wisdom, and steadfastness, reflecting the qualities associated with its meaning.
In summary, Kenyatta is a unique and powerful name of African origin that carries historical significance due to its association with Kenya's first president. Its meaning, "having a steady hand," has contributed to its appeal as a given name, embodying qualities such as steadfastness, strength, and wisdom.
It appears that the name Kenyatta has seen a significant increase in popularity from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, with a peak of 226 births in 1975. However, since then, there has been a steady decline in its usage as a baby name, with only 9 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1961 to 2023, the name Kenyatta was given to a total of 3207 babies.