What does Uhura mean and where does it come from?
Uhura is a name derived from the Swahili word for 'freedom'. It gained popularity through the character Nyota Uhura from the Star Trek franchise, portrayed by Nichelle Nichols. The name symbolizes liberation and empowerment, particularly for women of African descent. Today, Uhura serves as a cultura
Cultural significance
Uhura has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of freedom.
Peak popularity
Reached #6614 in 1971 — currently #1708 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Uhura?
Uhura works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Uhura Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Uhura Rose
Floral · soft ending
Uhura Mae
Sweet · timeless
Uhura Claire
French influence · crisp
Uhura Jane
Literary · strong
Uhura Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Uhura right now?
Holding steady — currently #1708 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1708 | 492 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1713 | 472 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1718 | 442 | — |
The story of Uhura
Uhura is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 32 total births recorded, Uhura remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1718 in 2021 to #1708 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Uhura in 1971:
💎Uhura has only 32 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Uhura?
What names sound and feel like Uhura?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Uhura also consider these
Common questions about the name Uhura
What does the name Uhura mean?
Uhura means "freedom" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Uhura?
Uhura is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Uhura?
Uhura originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Uhura?
Uhura pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Uhura a common or rare name?
Uhura is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.