Topeka is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the city of Topeka in Kansas, which was established in 1854. The name of the city itself comes from a Native American word, believed to be from the Kansa or Shawnee tribes, meaning "a good place to dig for potatoes."
The name Topeka has gained popularity beyond its origins due to its musical sound and unique spelling. Although it is not a traditional name with a long history like some other names, it has been used as a given name since at least the mid-20th century.
One notable figure with the name Topeka is American artist Topeka K. Smith (1907-1984), who was known for her abstract expressionist paintings. This may have contributed to the increased visibility of the name during her lifetime and beyond.
In popular culture, the name Topeka has also been used in various ways. It is the title of a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, and it was the name of a fictional town in the animated TV series "South Park."
Overall, the name Topeka is a fascinating choice with an intriguing origin story and a unique sound. While it may not be as common as some other names, its distinctiveness makes it stand out and memorable.
The name Topeka has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations from year to year. Between 1970 and 1983, there were a total of 118 babies named Topeka across the country.
In its debut year, 1970, there were only six births recorded for the name Topeka. The following year saw a slight decrease with five births. However, from 1972 onwards, the numbers began to rise steadily. In 1973 and 1974, eight babies were named Topeka each year. Then, in 1975, there was a significant increase with 13 births.
The peak of popularity for the name Topeka occurred in 1976 with an impressive 17 births that year. This high was followed by two consecutive years of ten births each, in 1977 and 1978. The numbers then dipped to eight births in 1979 before fluctuating between seven and nine from 1980 to 1983.
Overall, while the name Topeka may not have been extremely popular throughout these years, it did experience periods of heightened interest. Each birth represents a unique individual who bears this distinctive name.