Keyna is a unique and captivating female name of African origin, specifically from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It means "strong-willed" or "determined," reflecting the inner strength and resilience often associated with individuals bearing this name.
The history of Keyna dates back to ancient Congolese culture where it was traditionally bestowed upon girls born during times of adversity or struggle. The name was believed to imbue its bearer with courage, endurance, and unwavering spirit in facing life's challenges.
In recent years, Keyna has gained international recognition beyond its African roots, thanks partly to famous bearers like American actress Keke Palmer (whose birth name is Lauren Keyana Palmer). While once confined mainly within Congolese communities, today Keyna is embraced worldwide as a powerful and distinctive name choice for girls. Despite its growing popularity, however, it remains relatively rare, setting those who bear it apart from many others named after more commonly used options.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Keyna has been given to a total of 445 babies born in the United States over several decades. The popularity of this name seems to have fluctuated throughout these years.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was an average of about six births per year with this name, peaking at nine births in both 1962 and 1963. There was then a decrease in popularity during the mid-1960s to late 1970s, with fewer than ten births per year.
However, from 1972 onwards, there was an increase in the number of babies named Keyna, reaching a peak of 23 births in 1977. This trend continued through the early 1980s, with over ten births per year during this period.
After 1986, the popularity of the name Keyna seemed to decrease again, with fewer than ten births per year until the late 1990s and early 2000s. There was another peak in popularity between 2000 and 2002, with nine births each year.
More recently, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of this name, with seven births recorded in both 2021 and 2022.
Overall, while Keyna may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it has been consistently used throughout several decades. Its popularity has waxed and waned over time, but its unique spelling and sound have likely contributed to its enduring use as a baby name.