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Nyota

♀ Girl

Pronounced nee-OH-tah /niˈoʊ.tə/Medium

Meaning: From Swahili, 'a star' — made known by Nyota Uhura of Star Trek; we note the pop-culture useLow

In 30 seconds: A star: Nyota is Swahili. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'nee-OH-tah').

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Origin LowSwahili

MeaningFrom Swahili, 'a star' — made known by Nyota Uhura of Star Trek; we note the pop-culture use

U.S. rank (2025)#5513 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 120

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

Nyota comes from Swahili, 'a star' (made known by Lieutenant Nyota Uhura of Star Trek; we note the pop-culture use). A lyrical, modern name (said 'nee-OH-tah').

In the U.S. it appears in East African families. Rare, a-star at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Nyota means 'a star' in Swahili — made known by Lieutenant Nyota Uhura of Star Trek — a lyrical, modern name (we note the pop-culture use; said 'nee-OH-tah').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Nyota — pop-culture use noted

Variations

NyotahNiota

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Nyota…

Zuri— a fellow Swahili girls' name

Amani— a companion Swahili girls' name

Imani— a sound-neighbor Swahili girls' name

Sanaa— another Swahili girls' name

Explore names like Nyota

By themeswahili east-african pop-culture-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nyota mean?

Nyota is Swahili for 'a star'. We note the Star Trek use (Nyota Uhura).

How do you pronounce Nyota?

It's said nee-OH-tah /niˈoʊ.tə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nyota a boy or girl name?

Nyota is a girl's name.

How popular is Nyota?

Nyota is a rare name in the U.S.