Nafissatou first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Nafissatou has been for the last 1 years (from 2020 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Nafissatou

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "precious" or "gentle breeze".

Popularity of Nafissatou by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nafissatou.

Year Male Count Female Count
2020 0 5

The history of the first name Nafissatou

The name Nafissatou originates from the Arabic language and culture, with roots dating back to the 7th century CE. It is derived from the Arabic word "nafisa," which means "precious" or "valuable." The name gained popularity across various regions influenced by Islamic culture, particularly in North Africa and West Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nafissatou can be found in medieval Islamic texts, where it was sometimes used to refer to precious gemstones or valuable possessions. Over time, it became a common name given to girls, reflecting the desire to bestow upon them a sense of preciousness and value.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Nafissatou Bint Al-Hajj emerged as a renowned scholar and poet in the city of Fez, Morocco. Her contributions to literature and intellectual discourse during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization earned her widespread recognition and cemented the name's association with scholarship and wisdom.

During the 15th century, Nafissatou Gaye, a West African princess from the Jolof Empire (present-day Senegal and Gambia), made a significant impact on her society. She was renowned for her leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy for women's rights, leaving a lasting legacy that resonated throughout the region.

In the 19th century, Nafissatou Diallo, a Malian griot (oral historian and storyteller), played a crucial role in preserving and passing down the rich cultural heritage of her people through her captivating performances and narratives. Her name became synonymous with the preservation of traditional knowledge and the art of storytelling.

Another notable figure bearing the name Nafissatou was Nafissatou Niang, a Senegalese activist and pioneer in the fight for women's rights and education in the early 20th century. Her tireless efforts contributed significantly to the advancement of gender equality and educational opportunities for girls in her country.

These are just a few examples of individuals who carried the name Nafissatou throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and societal progress.

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

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

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"Nafissatou first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 23, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/nafissatou-meaning-and-history/.

"Nafissatou first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/nafissatou-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 23 May, 2025

Nafissatou first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/nafissatou-meaning-and-history/.

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