Fatou is a beautiful name of West African origin, specifically from the Wolof ethnic group in Senegal and The Gambia. It is typically given to girls.
The meaning of Fatou is believed to be "happiness" or "joy". This positive connotation makes it a popular choice among parents who wish to bestow good fortune upon their daughters.
Historically, the name Fatou has been passed down through generations in West African families. It was traditionally given to girls born during happy times or events, such as weddings or harvest seasons. Over time, it gained popularity beyond its ethnic origins and is now used globally.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Fatou is in French author André Gide's 1928 novel "The Immoralist". The character Fatoumata plays a significant role in the story, further contributing to the spread of this captivating name.
The name Fatou has been given to a total of 1,111 babies in the United States over the past three decades, from 1991 to 2023. The popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more than twice as many births as others.
In the early 1990s, the name Fatou was given to fewer than 15 babies per year in the United States. However, starting in 1995, the number of births began to increase steadily, reaching a peak of 49 births in 2006 and 2010.
After 2010, the popularity of the name Fatou seemed to decline once again, with fewer than 50 births per year from 2013 to 2021. However, there was a notable increase in recent years, with 44 births in 2022 and 44 births in 2023.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, the name Fatou has consistently been given to a small but significant number of babies each year in the United States over the past three decades. It remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.