Meaning & Origin
A country in East Africa. Official name: Republic of Kenya.
Kenya is a girl's and boy's baby name of African origin, the name of the East African nation derived from Kirinyaga — the Kikuyu name for Mount Kenya meaning 'mountain of whiteness' or 'place of the ostrich.' As a given name, it carries the vibrancy and strength of the African continent.
Kenya emerged as a given name in the U.S. in the 1970s-80s during a period of growing African-American cultural pride and connection to African heritage. Over 25,300 births are recorded, with a peak in the 1990s. It's a name of geographic beauty and cultural resonance.