Fatimatou is a feminine given name of African origin, particularly from West Africa. It is derived from the Arabic name Fatima, which means "she who has been honored or exempted" in reference to the Islamic figure Fatima bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadijah.
The name Fatimatou has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. It is believed to have first gained popularity among Muslims in West Africa during the era of the Mali Empire, which was founded by Sundiata Keita in the 13th century. The empire's influence on Islamic culture and practice helped to spread the name Fatima, and subsequently, Fatimatou.
Over time, Fatimatou has become a popular name among various African communities, including those from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and other West African countries with significant Muslim populations. It has also gained recognition outside of Africa, particularly in France and other European nations with significant immigrant populations from West Africa.
Today, Fatimatou continues to be a beloved and meaningful name for many families around the world. It is often given in honor of the Islamic figure Fatima or as a way to pay tribute to the strength, intelligence, and kindness that she embodies. The name's unique spelling and pronunciation also make it distinctive and memorable.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Fatimatou has seen a relatively consistent number of newborns in the United States over the past 17 years. From 2006 to 2022, there were an average of 6 births per year with this name.
The highest number of births recorded for the name Fatimatou was in 2006, with a total of 8 newborns. This was followed by 7 births each in 2015 and 2022, indicating that these years were also popular for the name Fatimatou.
Despite some variations in birth numbers from year to year, the overall trend shows that Fatimatou has maintained its presence as a unique and distinctive name choice among parents in the United States.