Holding steady.
Popularity of Kwanza since 1971
Babies named Kwanza per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 121 | 37 |
| 1980s | 60 | 0 |
| 1990s | 46 | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kwanza first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1971, just five years after the creation of the Kwanzaa holiday. Its peak year was 1978, when the name saw its highest recorded usage, reflecting the cultural wave of the 1970s. Though it has never entered the top 1,000, its trajectory has been stable, with occasional births continuing through the latest year of data, 2025. As a name rooted in African heritage and the Swahili language, Kwanza carries the meaning 'first fruits' and is a meaningful choice for families celebrating cultural identity.
Kwanza is derived from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza,' meaning 'first fruits.' The name is closely tied to the African American holiday Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga to celebrate African heritage. Though the holiday spelling typically includes a double 'a,' the name Kwanza as a given name appeared in the U.S. as early as 1971, reflecting cultural pride and the holiday's influence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kwani, Zaza
Variants: Kwanzaa, Kwanzia
Sibling names for Kwanza
Names that share Kwanza's style, for a brother or sister.
