Nkosi
Every Nkosi since 1972 — 381 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nkosi
Nkosi is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #10,386 in 2025 with 7 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1972, 381 American babies have been named Nkosi. Its peak came in 2001, when 46 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nkosi stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nkosi year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 7 | #10,386 |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | 7 | #10,551 |
| 2021 | — | — | 6 | #11,740 |
| 2020 | — | — | 8 | #9,308 |
| 2019 | — | — | 13 | #6,679 |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — | 7 | #10,474 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | 6 | #11,699 |
| 2014 | — | — | 5 | #13,470 |
| 2013 | — | — | 7 | #10,415 |
| 2012 | — | — | 8 | #9,469 |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
| 2010 | — | — | 7 | #10,437 |
| 2009 | — | — | 6 | #12,050 |
| 2008 | — | — | 5 | #14,030 |
| 2007 | — | — | 8 | #9,513 |
| 2006 | — | — | 8 | #9,325 |
| 2005 | — | — | 10 | #7,502 |
| 2004 | — | — | 10 | #7,380 |
| 2003 | — | — | 11 | #6,596 |
| 2002 | — | — | 11 | #6,398 |
| 2001 | 7 | #13,104 | 39 | #2,515 |
| 2000 | — | — | 6 | #9,969 |
| 1995 | — | — | 14 | #4,443 |
| 1990 | — | — | 6 | #7,830 |
| 1985 | — | — | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nkosi in 2025?
Nkosi ranked #10,386 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 7 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nkosi?
381 babies have been named Nkosi in the United States since 1972, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nkosi most popular?
Nkosi peaked in 2001, when 46 newborns received the name.
Is Nkosi a boy or girl name?
Nkosi is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 98% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nkosi rising or falling?
Nkosi is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.