Fatou Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Fatou is a West African name derived from the Arabic Fatimah, meaning captivating or one who abstains. It has evolved from its Arabic roots to become a common name in various West African cultures. The name reflects traits of strength and beauty and is associated with Islamic traditions, with no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity through cultural practices and notable figures, maintaining a positive modern image.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Fatou"
Pronunciation
/fæˈtuː/
Origin
West African
Etymology
Fatou is derived from the Arabic name Fatimah, which means 'captivating' or 'one who abstains'. It reflects a cultural connection to Islam and is commonly used in various West African countries.
Meaning
captivating; one who abstains
Language Evolution
Fatimah (Arabic), Fatou (West African variant)
Historical Usage
Fatou gained popularity in West African communities due to the influence of Islamic culture and the prominence of the name Fatimah in Islamic tradition.
Variants & Derivatives
Fatimah, Fatoumata, Fato, Fati
Modern Popularity & Image
Fatou is perceived as a beautiful and culturally rich name, often associated with strength and resilience in modern contexts.
Famous People
Fatou Bensouda (Gambian lawyer and former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court), Fatou Diome (Senegalese author)
📊 Fatou Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Fatou Name Visualizations
✨ Fatou Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 55 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Fatou" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Fatou". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Fatou" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Fatou"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Fatou"
"Fatou" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 10779th of 27321 | 83 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3655th of 35406 | 635 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3975th of 30306 | 449 |
Regional Popularity of "Fatou" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Fatou" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
54.21% 2426th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
30.09% 1554th/5164 |
48.94% 3579th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
65.34% 2603rd/3984 |
41.72% 1872nd/4487 |
70.74% 4826th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Fatou"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Fatou" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Fatou" in the United States
The name Fatou is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Fatou has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Fatou' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10779th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3655th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3975th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Fatou' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.