Our Beninese name database contains 372 Beninese surnames and 3.384 Beninese first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Beninese name database in CSV, SQL or JSON format and use it freely in your projects. Africa is very poor organised and has no open data initiatives. The list of names from countries like Benin are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Beninese names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Beninese names as well. To create the Beninese name database we used 6.134 validated Beninese social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Beninese surnames

This table show popular Beninese surnames. In Benin, surnames often indicate a person's ethnic or tribal origin, occupation, or place of residence. For example, a person with the surname "Kouassi" may be of the Ewe tribe, while a person with the surname "Sossou" may be from the town of Sossou. Additionally, surnames can also indicate a person's father or grandfather, such as "Yao" meaning "son of Yao."

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Tafazzul 27 0.4% American Bangladeshi Congolese
Amoussou 17 0.3% French Swiss Moroccan
Dossou 16 0.3% French American Togolese
Assogba 16 0.3% Ivorian French German
Tossou 15 0.2% Togolese Ivorian American
Houessou 15 0.2% Belgian Canadian French
Sossou 14 0.2% Togolese French Burkinabe
Johnson 14 0.2% American British Canadian
Touré 13 0.2% Senegalese Malian French
Quenum 13 0.2% French Senegalese American
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 6.134 Beninese social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Beninese first names

In Benin, parents typically choose a first name for their child based on cultural and religious significance. They may consult with elders or religious leaders for guidance on choosing a name that holds meaning or is believed to bring good luck or prosperity to the child. Some parents may also choose a name that reflects their family heritage or is passed down from previous generations. Ultimately, the decision is made with consideration for the child's future and well-being.

Popular Beninese male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Mohammed 27 0.6% Egyptian Saudi Arabian Indian
Mohamed 25 0.6% Egyptian Dutch Algerian
Prince 21 0.5% Indian Nigerian American
Emmanuel 21 0.5% Nigerian French Mexican
Michael 20 0.4% American British German
David 20 0.4% American British Spanish
Ulrich 19 0.4% German French American
Daniel 19 0.4% American British Spanish
Adam 19 0.4% American British Canadian
Alex 18 0.4% American British Spanish
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 6.134 Beninese social media profiles from which 4.523 (74%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Beninese female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Ange 12 0.7% French Ivorian British
Lil 10 0.6% American British French
Princess 8 0.5% American British Filipino
Lawani 8 0.5% Nigerian French Brazilian
Goddess 8 0.5% American British Canadian
Adjovi 8 0.5% Belgian Togolese Gabonese
Sarah 7 0.4% British American Canadian
Ong 7 0.4% Ivorian Brazilian Thai
Sandra 6 0.4% Spanish American British
Michelle 6 0.4% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 6.134 Beninese social media profiles from which 1.611 (26%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.