Our Senegalese name database contains 690 Senegalese surnames and 3.898 Senegalese first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Senegalese 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 Senegal are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Senegalese names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Senegalese names as well. To create the Senegalese name database we used 21.676 validated Senegalese social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Senegalese surnames

This table show popular Senegalese surnames. In Senegal, surnames typically reflect the family's ethnic or regional origin. They may also indicate the profession or trade of the family. For example, "Diouf" is a common surname in Senegal, and it typically denotes that the family is of Wolof origin. Similarly, "Ndiaye" is a common surname among families of the Serer ethnic group. In addition, many Senegalese families may also adopt the surname of their ancestors or forefathers. In most cases, the surname is passed down from the father to his children.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Ndiaye 1.107 5.1% French American Spanish
Diop 878 4.1% French American Spanish
Diallo 655 3.0% Guinean French Malian
Fall 608 2.8% American French British
Gueye 604 2.8% French American Italian
Ba 531 2.4% French German American
Sow 379 1.7% Guinean French Malian
Diouf 374 1.7% French American Italian
Niang 333 1.5% French American Spanish
Faye 325 1.5% American British French
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 21.676 Senegalese social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Senegalese first names

In Senegal, parents typically pick a first name for their child based on cultural and religious traditions. Many names have Arabic or Islamic roots, and are chosen to reflect the child's heritage and family history. Parents often consult with older family members, religious leaders, or traditional naming experts when choosing a name. The name may also have special significance, such as being chosen to honor a deceased family member or to bring good luck to the child.

Popular Senegalese male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Mamadou 450 2.7% Malian French Guinean
Ibrahima 417 2.5% Guinean French Malian
Cheikh 368 2.2% French Mauritanian American
Abdoulaye 324 2.0% Guinean Malian French
Babacar 323 1.9% French American Moroccan
Mouhamed 304 1.8% Algerian French American
Moussa 288 1.7% Malian French Guinean
Ousmane 280 1.7% Guinean Malian French
Amadou 266 1.6% Malian Guinean French
Moustapha 258 1.6% French Guinean Ivorian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 21.676 Senegalese social media profiles from which 16.605 (77%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Senegalese female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Adama 133 2.6% Malian Ivorian French
Momo 125 2.5% French American German
Fatou 108 2.1% Gambian French American
Awa 89 1.8% French Gambian Italian
Fatima 75 1.5% Spanish Pakistani Mexican
Khadija 74 1.5% Moroccan Pakistani American
Aïssatou 74 1.5% French Guinean Belgian
Aminata 65 1.3% French American Guinean
Khady 56 1.1% French American Spanish
Mame 51 1.0% American Ethiopian French
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 21.676 Senegalese social media profiles from which 5.071 (23%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.