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Topeka
Pronounced tuh-PEE-kuh /təˈpi.kə/Medium
Meaning: Topeka is the name of the capital city of Kansas, taken as a girl's given name. The city name comes from a Kansa and Ioway word often explained as 'a good place to dig potatoes,' referring to the wild potato gathered along the Kansas River.Low
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
Topeka is best known as the capital of Kansas, and its use as a personal name follows the American tradition of borrowing place-names. The city's name comes from a word in the Kansa and Ioway languages, generally understood to mean 'a good place to dig potatoes,' a reference to the edible wild potato once harvested near the Kansas River. As a given name it is neutral and geographic, carrying the sound and spirit of the plains city rather than a personal-quality meaning.
The name was never common, given to only about twenty girls a year at its peak in the mid nineteen-seventies. A Topeka born then is around fifty now, her name an unusual American place-name choice.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Topeka mean?
It is the name of the Kansas capital, from a Kansa or Ioway word often read as 'a good place to dig potatoes,' used as a given name.
How do you pronounce Topeka?
It is said tuh-PEE-kuh /təˈpi.kə/.
Is Topeka a boy or girl name?
Topeka is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Topeka?
It was never common, given to only about twenty girls a year at its peak in the mid nineteen-seventies.