Wanjiru is a female name of Kikuyu origin, derived from the Kikuyu word njĩra, meaning "way" or "path". In Kikuyu mythology, Wanjiru is one of the nine daughters of Mumbi, the legendary mother of the Kikuyu people.The name is also central to a traditional Kikuyu story, "Wanjiru, Sacrificed by Her People", in which a young woman named Wanjiru is offered as a sacrifice to end a drought. The tale underscores themes of sacrifice and redemption, illustrating the cultural significance of the name.In modern times, Wanjiru is widely used in Kenya and is associated with several notable individuals, particularly in athletics. Samuel Wanjiru (1986–2011) was a Kenyan marathon runner and Olympic gold medalist; Daniel Wanjiru (born 1992) is a long-distance runner; Esther Wanjiru (born 1977) is a long-distance runner and Commonwealth Games champion; Grace Wanjiru (born 1979) is a race walker; Ruth Wanjiru (born 1981) is a road runner; and Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru (born 1989) is a middle- and long-distance runner. Outside sports, Margaret Wanjiru is a Kenyan bishop and politician, and Helen Wanjiru Gichohi is an ecologist and president of the African Wildlife Foundation.A related name is Wanjiku, which also shares the Kikuyu linguistic root.Meaning: Way, pathOrigin: KikuyuType: First nameUsage regions: Kenya (especially among the Kikuyu)