Find out how popular the first name Djenaba has been for the last 1 years (from 1993 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Djenaba by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Djenaba is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Djenaba.

The history of the first name Djenaba

The name Djenaba is of West African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people of Mali. It is a feminine name that has been in use for centuries, and its roots can be traced back to the medieval era of West African history.

The name Djenaba is derived from the Mandinka word "jenaba," which means "beautiful" or "graceful." It was a commonly used name among the Mandinka people, who were known for their rich cultural traditions and their influential role in the spread of Islam across West Africa.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Djenaba can be found in the Epic of Sundiata, a famous oral tradition that recounts the life of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century. In this epic, Djenaba is mentioned as the name of one of the central characters, a woman who played a pivotal role in the events that led to the establishment of the Mali Empire.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Djenaba. One of the most famous was Djenaba N'Diaye (c. 1810-1857), a Senegalese princess and military leader who fought against French colonial forces during the mid-19th century. Another was Djenaba Diop (1884-1932), a Senegalese educator and activist who played a significant role in promoting women's education and social reforms in her country.

In the realm of literature, Djenaba Seck (1915-1981) was a renowned Senegalese novelist and playwright who explored themes of cultural identity and the challenges faced by women in West African societies. Her works, such as "La Nuit Wango" and "Un Divorce Africain," are considered classics of Francophone African literature.

Djenaba Diawara (1935-2016) was a Malian singer and musician who was celebrated for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Malian music. She was a recipient of the prestigious National Order of Mali and was widely regarded as a cultural icon in her country.

Djenaba Diallo (born 1972) is a contemporary Guinean writer and activist who has been recognized for her work in promoting gender equality and women's rights in West Africa. Her novels, such as "Le Ventre de l'Atlantique" and "Quand Traverses-tu le Gué?," explore the experiences of African women and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world.

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

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