Kepa is a Basque name of Spanish origin, meaning "the one who guards or protects". It has been traditionally used by the Basque people as a given name for boys and girls alike, although it is more commonly associated with males.
The name Kepa has a rich history in the Basque Country, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was often given to children in honor of Saint Képheu, a Basque saint who was known for his courage and protection of the people. Over time, the name evolved from its original Basque form, "Kepa", to the Spanish version, "José".
Today, Kepa is still widely used in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries as a variant of José. It has also gained popularity internationally, particularly among Basque communities abroad.
Despite its historical association with Saint Képheu, the name Kepa does not have any specific religious significance. Instead, it is often chosen by parents for its unique sound and meaning, as well as its cultural heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kepa has seen a consistent presence in the United States over the past few years, with a total of 19 births recorded between 2014 and 2021 inclusive.
The name Kepa first appeared on the birth records in the U.S. in 2014, with six newborns being named Kepa that year. This number remained steady over the next three years, with another six babies being named Kepa in 2017. However, there was a slight increase in the popularity of the name in 2021, with seven newborns bearing the name Kepa.
Overall, while not one of the most popular names in the U.S., Kepa has maintained a consistent level of usage among parents over the past eight years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in future years.