Keyna is a unique and captivating female name of African origin, specifically from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It means "strong-willed" or "determined," reflecting the inner strength and resilience often associated with individuals bearing this name.
The history of Keyna dates back to ancient Congolese culture where it was traditionally bestowed upon girls born during times of adversity or struggle. The name was believed to imbue its bearer with courage, endurance, and unwavering spirit in facing life's challenges.
In recent years, Keyna has gained international recognition beyond its African roots, thanks partly to famous bearers like American actress Keke Palmer (whose birth name is Lauren Keyana Palmer). While once confined mainly within Congolese communities, today Keyna is embraced worldwide as a powerful and distinctive name choice for girls. Despite its growing popularity, however, it remains relatively rare, setting those who bear it apart from many others named after more commonly used options.
The name Keyna experienced varied popularity over the years, with a peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching as high as 23 births in 1977 and 21 births in 1979. However, its usage has been quite sporadic overall, with many years seeing fewer than 10 births and several gaps where no children named Keyna were born at all. The total number of births with this name from 1956 to 2022 is 445.