Origin and Meaning of Fatou

One who has given birth to a child; a name commonly associated with blessings and good fortune.

Origin: Wolof - Fatou is derived from Fatima, the Arabian name that carries connotations of 'one who abstains' or 'the shining one'. It is commonly used in West African cultures, particularly among the Wolof people.

• Fatou is a popular name in many West African countries, especially in Senegal, and is often a name given to girls born on Friday.
• In Islamic culture, Fatima, the name from which Fatou is derived, holds significant importance as it was the name of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Notable bearers of the name include activist Fatou Bensouda, the Gambian lawyer who served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
• Fatou remains a widely used name in many communities, particularly among the Wolof and Mandinka groups, with ongoing popularity due to cultural heritage.
• Variations of the name include Fatima, Fatu, and Fatoumata, which can also be found in different cultures and languages, often with similar meanings.