A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Keita since 1967
Babies named Keita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 24 | 0 |
| 1970s | 97 | 86 |
| 1980s | 54 | 100 |
| 1990s | 9 | 99 |
| 2000s | 5 | 87 |
| 2010s | 0 | 97 |
| 2020s | 0 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Keita entered U.S. baby name records in 1971 and saw its highest usage in 1981, when it ranked 12,008th. As of 2025, approximately 1 in 341,615 boys receive this name, reflecting its rarity. The name has seen a gradual upward trend since 2022, suggesting a modest revival. Its roots lie in the Manding cultures of West Africa, where it is a prominent surname and given name linked to the Keita dynasty of the Mali Empire. While still uncommon in the United States, the name carries historical weight and cultural significance.
Keita is a surname and given name common among the Mandinka and Bambara peoples of West Africa, notably in Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. The name is traditionally associated with the Keita dynasty, which ruled the Mali Empire from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The meaning is uncertain but may derive from a Manding word related to praise or worship.
“Keita” around the world
Where Keita lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai
Variants: Keita
Sibling names for Keita
Names that share Keita's style, for a brother or sister.
