Find out how popular the first name Aliou has been for the last 27 years (from 1998 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aliou by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Aliou.

The history of the first name Aliou

The given name Aliou originates from the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and parts of Mauritania. It is a masculine name derived from the Arabic name Ali, which means "high" or "sublime." The name Aliou is believed to have emerged in the 7th or 8th century during the spread of Islam in West Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aliou can be found in the Wolof epic poem "Kadior Biram," which dates back to the 13th century. This epic poem tells the story of a Wolof hero named Kadior Biram and mentions several characters with the name Aliou.

In the 14th century, an Islamic scholar and theologian named Aliou Diouf is believed to have lived in the ancient city of Timbuktu, which was a renowned center of learning and scholarship during that time. Aliou Diouf is credited with writing several treatises on Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy.

During the 16th century, a Wolof warrior named Aliou Ndiaye played a significant role in defending the Wolof Empire against the expanding influence of the Portuguese empire in West Africa. Aliou Ndiaye is celebrated as a national hero in Senegalese history.

In the 19th century, Aliou Cissé was a prominent Senegalese scholar and educator who established several schools in the region and contributed to the preservation of Wolof language and culture.

In more recent times, Aliou Cissé (born in 1976) is a former Senegalese professional footballer and the current head coach of the Senegalese national football team. He led the team to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.

Aliou Badara Cissé (born in 1980) is a Senegalese singer and musician known for his work in the mbalax genre, a fusion of traditional Wolof music and contemporary styles.

Aliou Sané (born in 1995) is a Senegalese professional basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Aliou, which has its roots in the Wolof language and culture of Senegal and the broader West African region.

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 Aliou was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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