Kula
A girl's name of African origin with 10 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. girl's names, Kula is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 1983 to 1985, Kula has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Kula is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kula is a girl's baby name of African origin, with roots in several African language traditions where it carries meanings related to community and belonging. The name appears in Swahili-speaking regions as well as among Pacific island cultures.
Rare in the United States, Kula has a warmth and simplicity that make it stand out — a name that feels global yet grounded.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Kula is rooted in the African tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1983 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Kula’s rarity (10 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kula has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1983.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 10 | — |
The Story of Kula
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1983, Kula is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Kula are most likely born between 1983 and 1985.
How rare is Kula?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kula is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, peaked in the 1980s with 10 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 1983–1985)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 5 | #11566 |
| 1983 | 5 | #11126 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kula a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kula most popular?
How popular is the name Kula?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–1985