Female and male names most popular from last year : Gambia.
190 names found
Maliyah
Maliyah, of African origin, means 'queen' or 'king' in Malinke language, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Kora
Female name of African origin, derived from the Mandinka people of West Africa. It means "harp" in their language, symbolizing abundance and harmony.
Fatoumata
West African name predominantly found in Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and The Gambia. It means "Mother of Happiness," combining "Fatu" for happiness/joy and "Mata" for mother. Historically, it was given to girls born after sorrow or difficulty, symbolizing newfound joy, and also used as a title for powerful women like Queen Fatoumata Diallo of the Fulani people in Guinea during the 19th century. Today, it's popularized by figures such as Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara.
Aja
Unique West African name, derived from Mandinka language spoken by people living in countries like Gambia, Senegal, and Mali. The name generally translates to 'life' or 'born on Monday'.
Aissatou
Unique and meaningful feminine name of West African origin, popular among Wolof people of Senegal and Gambia. Derived from Arabic "As-sa't," it signifies 'the morning' and promises fresh starts.
Mariama
West African Mandinka origin, meaning "peace is bitter".
Fatou
Charming West African name from the Wolof ethnic group, meaning 'happiness' or 'joy', often given to girls born during joyous events.
Montrell
The name Montrell, derived from Mandinka language, means 'powerful king' and is of African origin.
Amadou
West African masculine given name derived from Mandinka words "ama" meaning peace and "dou" meaning life. It signifies hope for peaceful living and has been popular among various African cultures and globally due to its appealing sound and meaning, though it lacks direct religious or historical references.
Mansa
African name meaning "king" or "ruler" in Mandinka language, popularized by historic ruler Mansa Musa and signifying hope for future power and influence.
Binta
Unique West African female name of Fulani origin, translating to "God is good" and carrying significant spiritual and cultural importance.
Sekou
Unique African name from the Mandinka ethnicity, meaning 'pure' or 'clear', reflecting honesty and integrity.
Adama
Distinctive African name of West African origin, with meanings varying by region but generally conveying positivity such as peace or attractiveness. It gained wider recognition through the Gambian soldier Adamu Cerrah, also known as Adama Drammeh, who played a crucial role in a military coup in 1994. Today, it's popular among people of African descent globally due to its unique sound and historical significance.
Ndeye
Popular female given name of Senegalese origin, derived from the Wolof language. Its meaning varies but often symbolizes beauty, grace, wisdom, or virtue. Traditionally given to girls born after an older sibling's death, it now signifies good fortune and survival.
Oumou
Beautiful Wolof name from West Africa, primarily used in Senegal and The Gambia, meaning "peace" or "harmony". It's often connected with the Islamic faith due to its association with Fatima az-Zahra, also known as Umm Kulthum.
Mariame
African-origin name from West Africa, specifically among the Mandinka people. Its full meaning, 'rebellious mother', reflects strength and resilience.
Kordae
African-origin male name derived from the Mandinka word "Korede", meaning "born on Monday".
Niang
Senegambian origin, translates from Wolof 'niña' meaning 'to ask', suggesting persistence or persuasiveness.
Nymeir
African given name of Mandinka origin, meaning "peace" or "tranquility".
Adama
Unisex given name of West African origin, particularly common in countries like Senegal and Mali, meaning "the first man" in the Mandinka language, symbolizing strength and leadership.
Alieu
West African given name, prevalent in Senegal, that means "elevated one" or "little Ali," with roots in Wolof language.
Lamin
Unique male name originating from Gambia's Mandinka culture, translating to "ours" or "belonging to us", reflecting communal unity.
Zayli
West African Mandinka name meaning 'beauty', symbolizing grace and elegance.
Isatou
Unique and captivating name of West African origin, predominantly found in Senegal and Gambia. It means "reverberation of thunder" in Wolof, conveying strength and untamed beauty.
Samorah
Rare yet captivating name of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people of West Africa. Its meaning, "female child of peace," resonates deeply with African culture and history. Although not widely known in Western countries, Samorah carries significant historical weight due to figures like Queen Samory Fula, who ruled over the Wassoulou Empire during its peak in the 14th century. Despite this, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters.
Kmarion
Distinctive name of uncertain origin, potentially a blend of Kamara ('peace') from West Africa and Marion ('of Mars'), though this is unconfirmed.
Saidou
Traditional Mandinka name from West Africa, meaning 'joy' or 'blessed', often given to celebrate happy occasions.
Dakarie
Distinctive African given name derived from the Mandinka people, signifying 'peace' or 'tranquility'.
Diarra
Malinke origin West African name predominantly found among the Mandinka ethnic group. Derived from the Mandinka word "jara," meaning peace, it signifies harmony and tranquility.
Haddy
Distinctive African given name from Gambia, derived from Mandinka 'Hadaya', meaning 'to share' or 'to give'. Traditionally female, it signifies generosity and kindness.
Idiatou
Rare African name from Senegal and Gambia, predominantly among the Wolof ethnic group. Its meaning, "bringer of happiness," reflects the joyful occasions it was traditionally given to newborn girls during times of abundance and unity.
Lassana
Captivating West African name of Mandinka origin, meaning 'patient' or 'enduring'.
Abdoulie
Male name of West African origin, commonly used among the Wolof people in Senegal and The Gambia. Its meaning, "Servant of God," reflects its Arabic roots and Muslim heritage.
Annur
Arabic unisex name derived from 'annour', meaning 'light'. It signifies guidance, knowledge, and enlightenment in Islamic culture.
Babacar
West African male name derived from Wolof language, signifying 'powerful ancestor' or 'powerful father'.
Darrious
Rare African-American name derived from the West African Mandinka name "Darrio," potentially meaning "strong" or "powerful.
Jabraylen
African-derived given name from the Mandinka people, signifying "strong world" or "power in the world.
Jemar
Unique African name from the Mandinka people of West Africa, meaning 'Great King' or 'Great Ruler'.
Kumba
African name meaning "together" in Swahili, embodying unity and harmony.
Mbaye
Traditional Wolof name from West Africa meaning "born during a journey," reflecting nomadic trading roots.