Endiah is a unique and distinctive name of African-American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author Tananarive Due in her novel "My Soul to Keep," which was published in 1997. In the story, Endiah is the main character's daughter, and her name is said to mean "God has answered my prayers."
Despite its fictional origin, Endiah has since gained popularity as a given name for girls in African-American communities. It is often associated with strength, resilience, and faith, reflecting the character of the girl in Due's novel who must navigate a dangerous world while protecting her family.
The name Endiah consists of two elements: "End," which is derived from the English word for the end or conclusion, and "iah," which is believed to be inspired by the Hebrew element "Yah," meaning "God." Therefore, the name could be interpreted as "God has brought an end to my suffering" or "God has answered my prayers."
While Endiah may not have a long historical background like many other names, its unique origin story and meaningful interpretation make it a compelling choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep significance. As more people become familiar with the name through literature and popular culture, it is likely that Endiah will continue to grow in popularity as a beautiful and powerful name for girls.
The name Endiah has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. In 2003, it was given to nine newborns, indicating that it was quite unique at that time. However, its popularity seemed to decline somewhat by 2012 when only six babies were named Endiah.
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence in the name's usage in recent years, with five babies being named Endiah in 2020. This could suggest that parents are once again appreciating the distinctiveness of this name.
In total, since 2003, the name Endiah has been given to twenty children in the United States, making it a relatively uncommon yet recognizable name. It's exciting to see how these children will grow and contribute to their communities over time.