Looks like Kanye (West) spelled wrong. Otherwise a pretty name, although I wouldn't personally use it because I don't have a connection with the country itself.
― Anonymous User 3/23/2022
2
Kenya Moore from Real Housewives of Atlanta has ruined this name!
― Anonymous User 3/3/2021
0
Sounds like a good name for a swingin' dancer. Something about this name makes me think of tambourines and doing the cha-cha on a fast-paced dance floor. I like it.
Kenya in Oromo language means ours. Who are Oromos? Here is where it gets interesting. Oromos are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting central and southern Ethiopia making up 40% of the Ethiopian population which is the majority. 50 million to be exact. There are also a considerable number of Oromos in northern Kenya who shares border with southern Ethiopia. Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda also have people with Oromo ethnic background. Oromos used to be quite the influential people back in the days, especially for being warriors. Ethiopia wouldn't have been the only African country defending itself from European colonialism if it wasn't for the brave Oromo generals and warriors. What I am trying to say is that it is highly probable that Oromos used to call the Kenyan land ours and that the name stuck with modern Kenya.
Country names are tacky when used as first names, especially when the parents have little connection to the actual country and barely know anything about it.
I am a Kenyan citizen and the hurtful comments are just so immature and insensitive. You can't just judge a country without any knowledge of it. I have always wished to be called Kenya and I would love to name my kid after my country.
― Anonymous User 4/6/2020
10
Kenya is also a diminutive of Russian masculine name Innokentiy. It's less common than Kesha.
The name Kenya is derived from Mt Kenya. In the local languages, Kikuyu and Embu the mountain is called "Kirinyaga" and in the Kamba language it is called "Kinyaa." The British Colonials decided to go with "Kenya." Both words in the local languages mean "God's resting place."
― Anonymous User 8/27/2018
5
This one seems trashy, like the name of a prostitute or something. Kseniya is nice though.
― Anonymous User 3/24/2018
-5
The name Kenya was given to 324 girls born in the US in 2016. More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name Kenya are female.
― Anonymous User 6/7/2017
5
Kenya Summer Moore, is an American actress, model, producer, author, television personality, and entrepreneur. She currently stars in the Bravo TV series The Real Housewives of Atlanta and was a member of the cast of The Celebrity Apprentice 7. Moore rose to prominence in 1993 after winning the Miss USA contest which led her to compete in that year's Miss Universe pageant ultimately landing her among the top six. She subsequently appeared in films including Waiting To Exhale alongside Qiana M. Williams and Deliver Us From Eva, and in multiple television series including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Parent 'Hood, and Girlfriends. Moore has produced several film projects, had a book published, and starred in her own exercise video.
My name is Kenya. And that has been my name for over 55 years. I was named Kenya before the country became independent and was still a British protectorate. I am also white of Swedish descent. The name Kenya is actually Hebrew and does mean animal horn.
Why do people hate this name so much? It sounds unique, beautiful, strong, loving, and caring for a female. For a male, it sounds masculine, caring, protecting, strong, and unique. I would love to name my son Kenya!
― Anonymous User 5/14/2016
5
I had a dream of this name before I got my kitten. I hadn't seen a picture of her before, but when I did see her it just kind of fit. She has spots on her stomach like a wild cat, and she's very earthy (meaning she loves to lay/roll in the dirt and sun).
My name is Kennya, which is basically the same as Kenya which is more commonly known. Love that my name is so different. There are very few that have met anyone called Kenya, I get a lot of compliments from people. I had never heard of any males with the name, however I think it's awesome. I am a Latina. Family originated in Mexico, but I'm from Phoenix, Arizona.
My name is Kenya and everyone I meet believes it is a beautiful name! I am glad to be named Kenya. FYI I am white. I am not named after the country Kenya, but my mom thought it was a pretty name so I was named... Kenya! I love this name.
― Anonymous User 5/6/2015
2
My best friend's name is Kenya, thank you very much. I think it is a pretty name and I am really mad on how you guys are reacting to this name. I am considering to name my daughter Kenya, when I am older. You guys need to stop the hate!
I think this name sounds fugly and trashy. I knew a Kenya when I was in primary school who was a rude, immature troublemaker (she was white, not black).
― Anonymous User 7/3/2014
-1
It seems strange to name a kid after a country, town, state, etc. But if the place is very important to you I see no reason why you can't name your kid after it. Kenya does sound pretty. :)
Actress and model Kenya Moore bears this name. She was also the second black woman that was crowned Miss USA in 1993.
― Anonymous User 4/14/2011
4
Normally I don't like place names or names that are sort of "made up" and not traditionally used that way. But I happen to think this is really pretty.
― Anonymous User 11/11/2010
3
I am surprised that there are such strong feeling against this name. I like it a lot and I would consider naming a future daughter Kenya (and I'm white, btw). It's not trashy! It sounds romantic, creative and unique. You don't have to have a personal connection to the country to use it. Maybe it represents travel, worldliness, or adventure. Do you have to be born in April to be named April?
Sorry, but it annoys me when parents name their kids this. At least white people won't likely use this one, but it doesn't sound very credible on any black girl either. What are the chances she has any connection to the country? What are the chances her parents know anything about the country? My guess is that they just like the sound. Too bad people who know something about the country will have associations to the country itself, and they're not necessarily positive. This one's tacky and will give the person with it credibility issues.