Holding steady.
Popularity of Kitara since 1990
Babies named Kitara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 47 |
| 2000s | 60 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Kitara is a modern American name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1990, a time when invented names with exotic sounds were gaining popularity. Its peak came in 2011, with more babies named Kitara that year than any before or since. Despite this spike, the name has never cracked the top 1000 and remains a rare choice, with a stable trajectory in the 2010s. The name's origin is uncertain, but it may draw from the Japanese koto or the historical Kitara kingdom in Uganda. The absence of top states for the name suggests its use is scattered rather than concentrated in any region, adding to its distinctive appeal.
Kitara is likely a modern coinage, arising in the United States in the late 20th century. It may have been inspired by the Japanese koto (a stringed instrument) or the region of Kitara in East Africa. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1990 and saw a modest peak in 2011. There is no established historical etymology; it is generally considered a invented name with a melodic sound.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kita, Tara, Kit
Sibling names for Kitara
Names that share Kitara's style, for a brother or sister.
