Find out how popular the first name Yacouba has been for the last 1 years (from 2002 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yacouba by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Yacouba is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yacouba.

The history of the first name Yacouba

The name Yacouba originates from the Arabic language and culture, tracing its roots back to the Middle Ages. It is a masculine given name derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqob, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows." The name Ya'aqob is also the origin of the English name Jacob.

Yacouba gained widespread use in West Africa, particularly in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where Islamic influence was strong. The name was often bestowed upon newborn boys as a tribute to the biblical patriarch Jacob, who is revered in both Judaism and Islam.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Yacouba can be found in the Tarikh al-Fattash, a 17th-century chronicle written by the Timbuktu scholar Ahmad Baba al-Massufi. This historical text documents the lives of prominent scholars and leaders from the region, including individuals bearing the name Yacouba.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Yacouba. One such individual was Yacouba Sylla (1910-1976), a Malian politician and activist who played a significant role in the struggle for independence from French colonial rule. Another prominent figure was Yacouba Cissé (1935-2005), a Malian writer and scholar who contributed to the preservation of oral traditions and literature.

In the realm of sports, Yacouba Coulibaly (born 1989) is a professional basketball player from Mali who has represented his country in international competitions. Yacouba Sène (born 1988) is a Senegalese professional footballer who has played for clubs in Europe and Africa.

Yacouba Konate (1924-1992) was a renowned Burkinabé sculptor and artist, known for his intricate wood carvings that depicted traditional African themes and cultural narratives. His works are celebrated for their craftsmanship and their ability to capture the essence of West African artistic traditions.

While the name Yacouba has its origins in the Arabic language and Islamic culture, it has transcended religious and cultural boundaries, becoming a beloved name across various communities in West Africa and beyond.

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

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

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