Rakisha is a unique and beautiful name of African origin, specifically from the West African country of Ghana. It is derived from the Akan language and means "she breaks" or "she has broken".
The name Rakisha is believed to have been brought to the attention of the Western world by author Toni Morrison in her novel "Beloved". In the book, the main character's name is Sethe, who has a daughter named Denver, and another daughter whose name is Rakisha. This exposure in popular literature may have contributed to the increased visibility and usage of this name.
In some cultures, names that suggest strength or resilience are highly valued. Rakisha, meaning "she breaks", can be interpreted as symbolizing determination and perseverance. However, it's important to note that names do not define their bearers, and individuals named Rakisha may embody a wide range of personalities and characteristics.
Despite its rich history and meaningful significance, Rakisha remains relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice for those looking for an unusual yet meaningful name.
The name Rakisha experienced a peak in popularity during the late 1970s to early 1980s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1981 (21) and 1982 (19). However, it appears that this trend did not continue into the 1990s, as the number of births decreased significantly over time, with only 5 births recorded in 1990. Overall, there were a total of 173 Rakishas born between 1975 and 1994.