Find out how popular the first name Alieu has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alieu by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Alieu is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alieu.

The history of the first name Alieu

The name Alieu originates from the Wolof language spoken in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania. It is derived from the Arabic name Ali, which means "sublime" or "high." The name can be traced back to the 7th century AD, during the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

In the Wolof culture, Alieu is a popular name given to boys, often with the intention of honoring the Islamic prophet Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. The name has been widely used throughout West Africa, particularly in Senegal and Gambia, where the Wolof people have a significant presence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alieu can be found in the writings of Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world in the 14th century. In his travelogue, he mentions encountering individuals with the name Alieu during his journey through West Africa.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alieu. One of the most famous was Alieu Ebrima Cham Joof, a Gambian historian and writer who lived from 1924 to 1994. He was known for his extensive research and documentation of the history and culture of the Serer people in Gambia.

Another prominent figure was Alieu Badara Cissé, a Senegalese politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal from 1998 to 2000. He was born in 1942 and played a significant role in shaping Senegal's foreign policy during his tenure.

In the realm of sports, Alieu Cissé, a former Senegalese football player and current manager of the Senegalese national team, has gained widespread recognition. Born in 1976, he captained the Senegalese team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and has since led the team to various successes as their manager.

The name Alieu has also been borne by several religious leaders and scholars throughout history. One notable example is Alieu Cissé Niang, a prominent Senegalese Sufi scholar and leader of the Mouride Brotherhood, a influential Islamic religious movement in Senegal. He lived from 1939 to 2008 and played a crucial role in the promotion of Islamic teachings and values in the region.

In the world of literature, Alieu Badara Sowe, a Gambian writer and poet, has made significant contributions. Born in 1941, he is known for his works that explore themes of identity, culture, and the human experience within the context of West African society.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alieu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alieu, please contact us.

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