Our Kenyan name database contains 3.231 Kenyan surnames and 9.955 Kenyan first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Kenyan name database in CSV, SQL or JSON format. Africa is very poor organised and has no open data initiatives. The list of names from countries like Kenya are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Kenyan names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Kenyan names as well. To create the Kenyan name database we used 62.880 validated Kenyan social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Kenyan surnames

This table show popular Kenyan surnames. In Kenya, surnames typically indicate the person's ethnic or tribal affiliation. For example, a person with the surname "Kamau" may be of the Kikuyu tribe, while a person with the surname "Oduor" may be of the Luo tribe. Some Kenyans also have surnames that indicate their family or lineage, such as "Owino" meaning "son of Owino." In some cases, the surname may also indicate a person's occupation or status, such as "Mwaura" meaning "teacher" or "Kariuki" meaning "leader."

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Mwangi 1.003 1.6% Congolese American British
Otieno 679 1.1% Congolese American British
Maina 645 1.0% Nigerian Congolese American
Kamau 464 0.7% American Congolese British
Odhiambo 434 0.7% Congolese American Tanzanian
Ochieng 429 0.7% American Congolese Ugandan
Omondi 425 0.7% Congolese American British
Kariuki 391 0.6% American Congolese British
Juma 388 0.6% Tanzanian American Congolese
Kimani 363 0.6% American British Congolese
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 62.880 Kenyan social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Kenyan first names

In Kenya, parents often pick a first name for their child based on cultural and traditional beliefs. They may choose a name that has significant meaning in their tribe or community, such as a name that honors a family member or ancestor. Additionally, many parents in Kenya also consider the child's astrological sign or the meaning of the name in relation to their religious beliefs. Ultimately, the decision is made based on what the parents believe will bring good luck and prosperity to their child.

Popular Kenyan male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
John 719 1.6% American British Canadian
Peter 678 1.5% British American Dutch
Brian 618 1.3% American British Canadian
David 590 1.3% American British Spanish
Kevin 526 1.1% American British Canadian
James 515 1.1% British American Australian
Joseph 499 1.1% American British Nigerian
Dennis 493 1.1% American Dutch German
George 438 1.0% American British Greek
Michael 411 0.9% American British German
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 62.880 Kenyan social media profiles from which 45.853 (73%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Kenyan female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Mercy 203 1.2% American Nigerian British
Mary 186 1.1% American British Irish
Faith 185 1.1% American British Nigerian
Grace 152 0.9% American British Irish
Esther 130 0.8% Spanish Dutch American
Maureen 121 0.7% American British Canadian
Lucy 117 0.7% British American Jamaican
Jane 116 0.7% British American Canadian
Hillary 114 0.7% American Canadian British
Anne 108 0.6% American British French
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 62.880 Kenyan social media profiles from which 17.027 (27%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.