Kitara is a unique and captivating name of African origin, specifically from the Swahili culture. It is derived from the word "kitara," which means "guitar" in English. The name Kitara is believed to have been popularized by American musician Prince, who named his backing band "The New Power Generation" and one of its members as Kitara E.
However, it's important to note that the use of Kitara as a given name predates Prince's involvement. In Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, Kitara has been used for centuries, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural significance of music and musical instruments in these societies.
In terms of its meaning and history, Kitara carries the rich legacy of African musical heritage. It signifies harmony, creativity, and rhythm, all essential elements in Swahili culture and beyond. The name also embodies the spirit of unity, as it is believed to bring people together through music, a universal language that transcends borders.
Kitara's unique sound and African roots make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Although its usage remains relatively uncommon outside of Africa, it has gained international recognition due to its association with Prince and his musical influence.
In conclusion, Kitara is an enchanting and culturally significant name that embodies the power of music in uniting people and fostering creativity. With its African roots and global appeal, this captivating name continues to inspire and captivate those who encounter it.
The name Kitara has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 151 babies named Kitara between 1990 and 2021. The name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list in 1990, with five girls being given the name that year. This number remained consistent in 1991, but dropped to zero in 1992 before seeing a slight increase to seven births in 1993.
The popularity of the name Kitara fluctuated over the years, with periods of higher and lower birth rates. For instance, there were eight births each year in 2000 and 2001, and nine births in 2002. However, the number of babies named Kitara decreased to five births in both 2003 and 2006.
Interestingly, the name saw a significant spike in popularity between 2008 and 2011, with ten births each year from 2008 to 2009, followed by an even higher number of fourteen births in 2011. However, the popularity of Kitara declined once again after that peak, with seven births in 2013 and only five births in 2021.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Kitara has remained a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon name for their daughters. With fewer than 200 babies named Kitara over three decades, it is safe to say that this name is not one of the most popular choices among American parents. However, for those who choose this name, they are giving their daughter a distinctive and memorable moniker.