Chaka

♀ Girl

Pronounced CHAH-kuh /ˈtʃɑː.kə/Medium

Meaning: Chaka came into American use through singer Chaka Khan, who took the African name early in her career. It echoes the Zulu Shaka, the famed nineteenth-century king. As a given name in the United States it is chiefly a tribute to the singer.Low

In 30 seconds: A soul-music name: Chaka honors singer Chaka Khan and echoes the Zulu king Shaka (said 'CHAH-kuh'). It peaked around 1976.

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Origin LowZulu, American

MeaningChaka came into American use through singer Chaka Khan, who took the African name early in her career. It echoes the Zulu Shaka, the famed nineteenth-century king. As a given name in the United States it is chiefly a tribute to the singer.

U.S. rank (1991)#11750 ↘ Falling

1991 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1976

Total births (all-time)≈ 841

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Chaka reached American parents through singer Chaka Khan, who adopted the African name; it echoes the Zulu Shaka, the celebrated warrior-king. As a given name here it is chiefly a tribute to the singer, and it peaked around 1976. It faded as her chart era passed (said 'CHAH-kuh').

Never widespread, the name grew rare after the 1970s. It reads today as a bold name of the soul and funk era. Musical, African-rooted, and uncommon.

Did you know? Chaka entered American use thanks to singer Chaka Khan, and the name peaked for girls around 1976, at the height of her fame with Rufus.

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Chaka — Singer Chaka Khan; echoes Zulu Shaka; tribute name

Variations

ShakaChakkaChaca

Nicknames

ChaKaka

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chaka…

Shaka— the Zulu name Chaka echoes

Aretha— a like soul-era tribute name

Chandra— a like 1970s rhythmic feminine

Tamiko— a like distinctive 1970s girl's name

Explore names like Chaka

By themeafrican 1970s faded music

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Chaka mean?

Chaka came into use through singer Chaka Khan and echoes the Zulu Shaka; in the United States it is chiefly a tribute to the singer.

How do you pronounce Chaka?

It's said CHAH-kuh /ˈtʃɑː.kə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Chaka a boy or girl name?

Here Chaka is a girl's name, from singer Chaka Khan; the Zulu Shaka was a man.

Is Chaka making a comeback?

It stays rare, reading as a soul-era tribute name.