IPA Pronunciation

หˆmwษ‘หkษ‘

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Syllables

Mwaka is a female name of Bantu origin, primarily used in East Africa. It means 'year' or 'season' in Swahili and related Bantu languages, symbolizing the passage of time and natural cycles. Historically, it reflects the importance of timekeeping in agricultural societies and the connection between human life and the rhythms of nature.

Cultural Significance of Mwaka

In East African Bantu cultures, the name Mwaka holds deep significance as it directly relates to time, seasons, and the natural cycles vital to agricultural and community life. Its usage often symbolizes renewal, growth, and the continuity of life. Naming a child Mwaka can reflect hope for a prosperous year or a fresh beginning, tying personal identity to the environment and cultural heritage.

Mwaka Name Popularity in 2025

Today, Mwaka is a unique yet culturally rich name chosen by parents seeking meaningful African names with deep roots. While not globally common, it is gaining attention among diasporic communities and those interested in African heritage names. Its melodic sound and profound meaning make it appealing for modern parents valuing tradition and individuality.

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Popular Nicknames10

MwaKakaWakiMimiMwaka-BellaWakaMawsMakiKawaMoo
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International Variations10

MwakaMwaccaMwakaeMwaakaMwakaahMwakahMwakaiaMwakkahMwacahM'Waka
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Similar Names You Might Love5

Name Energy & Essence

The name Mwaka carries the essence of โ€œYear or season; symbolizing time and cyclesโ€ from Bantu (Swahili) tradition. Names beginning with "M" often embody qualities of wisdom, intuition, and emotional depth.

Symbolism

Cultural Significance

In East African Bantu cultures, the name Mwaka holds deep significance as it directly relates to time, seasons, and the natural cycles vital to agricultural and community life. Its usage often symbolizes renewal, growth, and the continuity of life. Naming a child Mwaka can reflect hope for a prosperous year or a fresh beginning, tying personal identity to the environment and cultural heritage.

Mwaka Kitala

A 19th-century East African community leader known for uniting several Bantu clans during seasonal cycles of famine and harvest.

Mwaka Nyerere

A prominent female figure in Tanzanian history who advocated for women's rights in rural communities during the mid-20th century.

Mwaka Mbwana

A traditional healer and cultural custodian in Kenya known for preserving oral histories tied to agricultural cycles.

Mwaka Nyambu

A female elder who played a key role in mediating tribal disputes in Uganda during the early colonial period.

Mwaka Temba

An influential storyteller and poet who celebrated seasonal changes in her works in the late 19th century.

Mwaka Chuma

A leader in community farming initiatives that improved harvest yields in Rwanda during the mid-20th century.

Mwaka Zuri

A spiritual figure in Bantu folklore, symbolizing renewal and the passage of time in ritual ceremonies.

Mwaka Lemba

A matriarch who preserved indigenous knowledge of seasonal medicinal plants in Tanzania.

Aรฑo

๐ŸŒSpanish

Annรฉe

๐ŸŒFrench

Jahr

๐ŸŒGerman

Anno

๐ŸŒItalian

ๅนด (Toshi)

๐ŸŒJapanese

ๅนด (Niรกn)

๐ŸŒChinese

ุณู†ุฉ (Sana)

๐ŸŒArabic

Fun Fact About Mwaka

Mwaka is not just a name but a word meaning 'year' in Swahili, making it one of the few names that also represent a fundamental unit of time in everyday language.

Personality Traits for Mwaka

Individuals named Mwaka are often associated with qualities of resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection to nature's rhythms. They are seen as thoughtful, reflective, and nurturing, embodying the idea of growth and renewal. Their personality is marked by a calm strength, a grounded presence, and an intuitive understanding of life's cycles.

What does the name Mwaka mean?

Mwaka is a Bantu (Swahili) name meaning โ€œYear or season; symbolizing time and cyclesโ€. Mwaka is a female name of Bantu origin, primarily used in East Africa. It means 'year' or 'season' in Swahili and related Bantu languages, symbolizing the passage of time and natural cycles. Historically, it reflects the importance of timekeeping in agricultural societies and the connection between human life and the rhythms of nature.

How do you pronounce Mwaka?

Mwaka is pronounced (IPA: หˆmwษ‘หkษ‘). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.

What are nicknames for Mwaka?

Popular nicknames for Mwaka include: Mwa, Kaka, Waki, Mimi, Mwaka-Bella, Waka, Maws, Maki, Kawa, Moo.

Who are famous people named Mwaka?

Famous people named Mwaka include: , , , , .

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Mwaka is a beautiful Bantu (Swahili) name meaning โ€œYear or season; symbolizing time and cyclesโ€. Mwaka is a female name of Bantu origin, primarily used in East Africa. It means 'year' or 'season' in Swahili and related Bantu languages, symbolizing the passage of time and natural cycles. Historica...

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