Meaning: Its source is a Kiswahili expression meaning "Jewelry."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Kiswahili.

Narrative: It was the name of Jomo Kenyatta who was instrumental in the emancipation of Kenya from British rule. He was the first President of Kenya after it gained independence. The actual word Kenyatta was the name for the beaded accessories (belts, necklaces, etc...) that Jomo was famous for wearing. This name is very well known throughout African history.

Alternative Spellings: Kenyata

Variant Forms: Kenyada

Popularity: The name Kenyatta ranked 1976th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: This name has come into use among African Americans in honor of the east African country of the same name, which in turn was named after the second-highest mountain in Africa.