All about the name

Uhura

Female

« Uhura is an African name derived from Swahili, meaning 'freedom,' made famous by Nichelle Nichols' character in Star Trek. »

#39633 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Uhura is a unique and captivating name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili language, which is widely spoken in East Africa. The name Uhura has gained significant recognition due to its association with the popular science fiction franchise Star Trek. In the original series of Star Trek, Uhura was the name given to the communications officer on the starship USS Enterprise. This character, played by Nichelle Nichols, was notable for being one of the first African American women to be featured in a significant role on American television. The name Uhura was chosen because it translates to "freedom" in Swahili, reflecting the series' themes of exploration and liberation from societal constraints. The name Uhura has since become synonymous with innovation, diversity, and progress. It is often associated with trailblazers and those who strive for freedom and equality. While its use outside of popular culture remains rare, it carries a powerful symbolic significance. In summary, Uhura is an African name derived from the Swahili language, meaning "freedom." Its popularity can be attributed to its association with Star Trek's groundbreaking character Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols in the original series. The name has since become a symbol of progress and liberation.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Uhura since 1880

Total births
32
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
8 births
in 1978
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years