Erykah is a unique and beautiful name of African American origin. It is derived from the Yoruba language, which is spoken in West Africa. The name Erykah means "first born daughter."
The history of the name Erykah can be traced back to ancient West African traditions and culture. In Yoruba folklore, it was believed that the first-born daughter would bring great blessings and good fortune to her family. Therefore, parents would often give their first-born daughters this name in hopes of attracting prosperity and happiness into their lives.
Erykah has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among African American families who wish to honor their cultural heritage by giving their daughters a traditional Yoruba name. It is also becoming more commonly used as a middle name or nickname for girls with different first names.
Overall, Erykah is a strong and meaningful name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. It is a beautiful choice for parents looking for a unique and special name for their daughter.
The name Erykah has seen a steady decline in popularity over the years in the United States. In its peak year of 1997, there were 279 babies named Erykah. However, by 2023, that number had dropped to just 7 births.
From 1998 to 2006, the number of babies named Erykah fluctuated between 54 and 32 births per year. But since 2007, the name has become quite rare, with fewer than 40 births each year until 2020 when it dropped to just 10 births.
Despite this decline in popularity, there have been a few recent years where the number of babies named Erykah has seen a slight increase. For example, from 2016 to 2022, the number of births with the name Erykah ranged from 20 to 27 per year.
Overall, since 1997, there have been a total of 1530 babies named Erykah in the United States. While it may not be as popular now as it once was, it remains a unique and distinct name with its own history and legacy.