Kamau
Kamau is a boys' name of African origin meaning “a Kikuyu initiation-group name.”
Torn between Kamau and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Kamau?
kah-MOW
where does the name Kamau come from?
A Kikuyu name from Kenya, used as a Rika, or initiation-group, name: young men who trained and were circumcised together as a group, a Rika, could take the group's name alongside their own.
Kamau is a Kikuyu name from Kenya, traditionally a Rika, or initiation-group, name: young men who were initiated together took the group's name alongside their own, so many Kikuyu men carried two or three names. The Kikuyu are Kenya's largest ethnic group.
the history of Kamau
A man might keep a birth name such as Wambugu while also using his Rika name, like Kamau, so many Kikuyu men carried two or three names.
who are famous people named Kamau?
- Kamau Brathwaite (Barbadian poet and Nobel Prize nominee)
- W. Kamau Bell (American comedian and TV host)
what names are similar to Kamau?
what names go well with Kamau?
Sibling names that share Kamau's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Kamau
What does the name Kamau mean?
Kamau means “a Kikuyu initiation-group name”.
What is the origin of the name Kamau?
Kamau comes from the African naming tradition.
How popular is the name Kamau?
Kamau has not ranked in the US top 1,000 in recent years, which makes it an uncommon choice.
Is Kamau a boy or girl name?
Kamau is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Kamau?
Kamau is pronounced kah-MOW, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Kamau? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session