Kenya

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kenya

Gender Girl
Origin Hebrew
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation Kehn-ya.

Kenya, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Hebrew origin.

Meaning of Kenya

Animal horn

The name Kenya is derived from the Mount Kenya, a mountain located in East Africa. The name is believed to be derived from either the Kikuyu people, who inhabit the area around the mountain, or from the Kamba people, who inhabit the nearby foothills. The name is thought to mean either "God's resting place" or "mountain of whiteness".

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Meaning Animal horn
Origin Hebrew
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #964 in 2017 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 70s name

Background & History of The Name Kenya

The name "Kenya" is derived from the Kamba word "Kyenia," which means "mountainous place." It is a country located in East Africa and borders the countries of Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and Somalia to the northeast. Kenya covers an area of approximately 580,367 square kilometers, making it the 48th largest country in the world.

Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963, and adopted a parliamentary system of government. Nairobi, the capital city, is not only the largest city in Kenya but also serves as the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country. Kenya has a population of over 53 million people, making it the 29th most populous country globally.

This East African nation is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from fertile highlands and savannahs to dense forests and stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean. Mount Kenya, the highest peak in the country and the second-highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro, is a major tourist attraction. The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, is another significant geographical feature.

Kenya is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the "Big Five" game animals: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo. The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park are popular destinations for wildlife safaris, where visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, Kenya is renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

The country's economy is diverse, with agriculture being a vital sector. Kenya is one of the world's leading exporters of tea and coffee, and other significant agricultural products include flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, Kenya's tourism industry plays a crucial role in generating revenue for the country, as visitors are attracted to its wildlife, stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and beautiful beaches.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Kenya over the years.

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