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Kanisha Girl

Popularity: #945 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-NEE-shuh /kəˈniːʃə/

Origin: African; Sanskrit

Meaning: African: 'the one who is precious'; Sanskrit: 'to be born'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kanisha is believed to have African origins, specifically deriving from the Swahili language, where it is often interpreted as meaning "pure" or "sacred." The etymology of Kanisha can be traced back to the broader linguistic roots of African languages, which often emphasize meanings related to virtue and spirituality. The name may also be linked to the Arabic name "Khadijah," which means "early baby" or "premature child," showcasing the interconnectedness of names across cultures and languages in Africa and the Middle East.

Historically, the name Kanisha has been used in various African communities, particularly among the Swahili-speaking populations along the East African coast. The Swahili culture, which developed from the interactions between Bantu-speaking Africans and Arab traders from the 7th century onwards, has a rich tradition of naming practices that reflect both indigenous and Islamic influences.

While specific historical milestones for the name Kanisha are less documented, the broader cultural significance of names in African societies often includes the importance of lineage, identity, and the aspirations parents hold for their children. Culturally, names like Kanisha resonate with themes of purity and virtue, which are significant in many African traditions.

The name may also evoke a sense of connection to heritage and community, reflecting the values and beliefs of the societies from which it originates. In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, but these are less commonly noted in historical records.

Overall, Kanisha embodies a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, representing the values of the communities that have embraced it.

Famous people named Kanisha

Kanisha K. is a singer and songwriter best known for her work in the R&B genre and collaborations with various artists.
Kanisha Johnson is a professional basketball player best known for her time in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Kanisha Wright is a model and actress best known for her appearances in various fashion campaigns and television shows.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kanisha was first seen in the United States in 1971. Kanisha has ranked as high as #937 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Kanisha has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kanisha (2005)

State Births Share
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19715
197313
197418
197518
197642
197756
197856
197977
198064
198183
198269
198383
198484
198567
198672
198766
198863
1989102
1990293
1991189
1992143
1993126
1994149
1995133
199691
199781
199842
199945
200038
200133
200228
200320
200416
200520
200612
200718
20089
200910
20109
20129
20147
20158
20168
20189
20206
20238
20245