Holding steady.
Popularity of Kunta since 1977
Babies named Kunta per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 283 |
| 1980s | 9 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kunta is a name of West African origin that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1977, the same year the television miniseries 'Roots' aired to record audiences. Its peak year was 1977, when it ranked among the most notable new names in the country. Since then, the name has remained extremely rare, with no recorded births in many years. The name's trajectory is stable, meaning it has not seen a resurgence in recent decades. No states recorded significant usage, reflecting its niche cultural footprint. Despite its rarity, Kunta carries a powerful literary and historical resonance, directly tied to the story of Kunta Kinte.
Kunta is a name of West African origin, notably from the Mandinka people of present-day Gambia and Senegal. It gained international recognition through the 1976 novel 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' by Alex Haley, whose protagonist Kunta Kinte was based on a real ancestor. The name is traditionally given to a second-born son in some Mandinka families. Its modern use outside Africa is almost exclusively tied to the cultural impact of 'Roots'.
Sibling names for Kunta
Names that share Kunta's style, for a brother or sister.
