Africa
Every Africa since 1969 — 1,042 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Africa
Africa is rare for girls in the United States, ranked #10,945 in 2025 with 8 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1969, 1,042 American babies have been named Africa. Its peak came in 1972, when 76 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1970s.
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 Africa stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Africa year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | #10,945 |
| 2024 | 5 | #15,336 |
| 2023 | 12 | #8,498 |
| 2022 | 11 | #9,073 |
| 2021 | 10 | #9,577 |
| 2020 | 8 | #11,124 |
| 2019 | 7 | #12,485 |
| 2018 | 7 | #12,507 |
| 2017 | 14 | #7,847 |
| 2016 | 10 | #10,131 |
| 2015 | 9 | #10,890 |
| 2014 | 11 | #9,534 |
| 2013 | 14 | #8,154 |
| 2012 | 8 | #12,229 |
| 2011 | 10 | #10,394 |
| 2010 | 9 | #11,273 |
| 2009 | 17 | #7,347 |
| 2008 | 17 | #7,417 |
| 2007 | 15 | #8,105 |
| 2006 | 24 | #5,553 |
| 2005 | 7 | #13,041 |
| 2004 | 9 | #10,706 |
| 2003 | 9 | #10,441 |
| 2002 | 6 | #13,625 |
| 2001 | 14 | #7,328 |
| 2000 | 15 | #6,813 |
| 1995 | 25 | #4,099 |
| 1990 | 14 | #6,132 |
| 1985 | 8 | #7,567 |
| 1980 | 19 | #3,994 |
| 1975 | 40 | #2,136 |
| 1970 | 22 | #3,030 |
| 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 Africa in 2025?
Africa ranked #10,945 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, with 8 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Africa?
1,042 babies have been named Africa in the United States since 1969, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Africa most popular?
Africa peaked in 1972, when 76 newborns received the name.
Is Africa a boy or girl name?
Africa is overwhelmingly a girl's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Africa rising or falling?
Africa is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.