Find out how popular the first name Assitan has been for the last 17 years (from 2001 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Assitan by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Assitan is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Assitan.

The history of the first name Assitan

The given name Assitan has its roots in the Mandinka language, spoken predominantly in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Guinea, and parts of Senegal. It traces its origins back to the time of the great Mali Empire, which flourished between the 13th and 17th centuries.

The name Assitan is derived from the Mandinka word "sita," which means "kindness" or "gentleness." It is believed to have been a name bestowed upon girls in the hope that they would embody these virtues as they grew into adulthood.

While there are no direct references to the name Assitan in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Mandinka people, who have a rich oral history passed down through generations of griots (storytellers and musicians).

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Assitan dates back to the late 15th century, when a daughter of a prominent Mandinka chief was given this name. Throughout the centuries, the name has been borne by various notable figures, including:

1. Assitan Soumare (c. 1780-1860), a renowned Mandinka griot and oral historian, who helped preserve the cultural heritage of her people.

2. Assitan Tall (1915-2008), a Malian educator and women's rights activist, who played a crucial role in promoting female education in her country.

3. Assitan Diarra (1928-2018), a celebrated Malian singer and musician, who was instrumental in popularizing the traditional music of the Mandinka people.

4. Assitan Coulibaly (born 1963), a Malian politician and former Minister of Women, Children, and Family Affairs, known for her advocacy efforts to empower women and girls.

5. Assitan Diallo (born 1975), a Guinean-American author and playwright, whose works explore themes of identity, diaspora, and the immigrant experience.

The name Assitan has maintained its significance and popularity within the Mandinka community and the broader West African region, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and values embodied in this ancient name.

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

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

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