Kunte
A boy's name of African origin with 26 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Kunte is a one-syllable boy's name with a open, approachable sound — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. With only 26 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Kunte is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kunte is a boy's baby name of African origin, most widely recognized through Kunta Kinte, the central character of Alex Haley's landmark 1976 novel Roots — a Mandinka name meaning 'his eye is open.' The novel and its TV adaptation sparked a nationwide conversation about African heritage and naming in America.
To choose Kunte is to make a deliberate cultural statement — a name that honors West African roots and carries the powerful legacy of a story that changed how millions of Americans thought about their history.
EtymologyShow more
Kunte is cataloged under the African naming tradition. African naming traditions are extraordinarily diverse, often tying a child’s name to circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or spiritual significance.
In the U.S., Kunte has been recorded as a boy's name since 1977, with 26 total births. Browse the African names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kunte has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1977.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 26 | — |
The Story of Kunte
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1977, Kunte is a Gen X staple. Boys named Kunte are most likely born between 1977 and 1978.
How rare is Kunte?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kunte is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1977, peaked in the 1970s with 26 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 1977–1978)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | 8 | #4379 |
| 1977 | 18 | #2517 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kunte a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kunte most popular?
How popular is the name Kunte?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1977–1978