Nneka is of Nigerian origin, derived from the Igbo language, and its meaning varies depending on the specific spelling and context. The name has gained global recognition due to its distinctive sound and cultural significance. Pronounced as "neh-KAH," Nneka consists of two parts: "nne" meaning "mother" and "ka" which can be translated as "to bear." Therefore, the name implies "Mother is worthy to bear" or "Mother has borne." Nneka has been popularized internationally through various mediums such as music and literature. It is often associated with strength, resilience, and pride in one's heritage.
The name Nneka saw a significant increase in popularity from the early 70s to the mid-80s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1981 (51). However, after peaking in the late 80s and early 90s, there was a steady decline in its usage until the early 2000s. From then on, it has remained quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring since 2003. Overall, Nneka has been given to a total of 1178 babies over the past five decades.