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Nkosi

Boy

Meaning of Nkosi: Zulu: 'king' or 'ruler'

Nkosi is a boy's name most strongly associated with African naming. It has 5 letters and 2 syllables, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 9579th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#9579

7 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

381

First recorded 1972 · peak 2001

Trend

stable

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 0 babies1982: 7 babies1983: 0 babies1984: 0 babies1985: 0 babies1986: 0 babies1987: 0 babies1988: 6 babies1989: 9 babies1990: 6 babies19901991: 10 babies1992: 11 babies1993: 12 babies1994: 15 babies1995: 14 babies1996: 14 babies1997: 20 babies1998: 7 babies1999: 12 babies2000: 6 babies20002001: 46 babies2002: 11 babies2003: 11 babies2004: 10 babies2005: 10 babies2006: 8 babies2007: 8 babies2008: 5 babies2009: 6 babies2010: 7 babies20102011: 0 babies2012: 8 babies2013: 7 babies2014: 5 babies2015: 6 babies2016: 0 babies2017: 7 babies2018: 0 babies2019: 13 babies2020: 8 babies20202021: 6 babies2022: 7 babies2023: 0 babies2024: 0 babies2025: 7 babies
US babies named Nkosi per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 46.

Gender split

98% boys · 2% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More African boys' names

Other names starting with N