Keita is a name of African origin, specifically from the Bamileke people of Cameroon. It is traditionally given to boys and translates to "the one who brings happiness" or "the joyful one." The name Keita is composed of two parts: "kei," which means "happy" or "joyful," and "ta," a term used to address someone with respect or familiarity.
The Bamileke people have a rich history and culture, and their naming traditions often reflect important values and aspirations. Naming a child Keita is therefore seen as an expression of hope for happiness and joy in the child's life and the lives of those around them.
In recent years, the name Keita has gained international recognition due to prominent figures such as H.E. Bah Ndaw Keïta, the former transitional president of Mali, and Amadou Gon Coulibaly Keïta, a former prime minister of Côte d'Ivoire. However, its origins and meaning remain deeply rooted in African culture and traditions.
Overall, Keita is a name that embodies positivity and optimism, making it a popular choice for parents seeking to bestow happiness upon their child's life. Its African roots serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and history of the Bamileke people and Africa as a whole.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Keita has seen varying popularity among parents in the United States over the past five decades. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in 1981 with a notable spike of 33 births that year. This could indicate that there was either a significant event or cultural influence that popularized the name during this time.
However, the popularity of Keita seems to have fluctuated quite significantly over the years. After reaching its peak in 1981, the number of births with the name Keita dropped to just 10 in 1982 and continued to decline throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. The lowest point was reached in 1996 with only 6 births.
Despite this low point, the name Keita has shown some resilience over time. There have been several periods of increased popularity since the late 1990s, with notable spikes occurring in:
* 1999: 14 births
* 2008: 17 births (the second-highest number after 1981)
* 2015: 16 births
* 2017: 16 births
These peaks suggest that Keita has maintained some level of popularity among American parents and may even be considered a classic name with enduring appeal. Moreover, the total number of births for the name Keita over the past five decades is an impressive 479, indicating that it has been chosen by many families across the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Keita may not have consistently topped popularity charts, its presence in the baby name landscape has remained steady. With periodic spikes in popularity and a total of nearly 500 births over five decades, Keita can be considered an established and well-loved choice among American parents.