Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents selected comments (posts) from a Lipstick Alley African Forum's discussion thread about Mandé last names in Mali, West Africa and in some other West African nations. That Lipstick Alley discussion thread has a total of seven pages (as of June 21, 2021 at 10:23 PM).*
There are other comments in that discussion about African last names from non-Mande groups. In addition, that discussion includes comments about African first names**. There are also comments in that discussion about, intermarriage of Muslim and non-Muslim people in West Africa, contemporary West African attitudes about griots, and about other several other topics.
The content of this post is presented for onamastic, cultural, and educational purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to bebelala, this discussion's thread starter, and thanks to all those who participated in this discussion.
-snip-
I encourage all those interested in African names and naming practices to read this entire discussion.
*bebelala, that thread starter wrote "I am google translating these post from French so please excuse the bad grammar."
Based on some comments in that discussion, bebelala's former screen name is "SnakeWithHands".
Lady2023, a frequent commenter in that discussion thread is from Gambia, West Africa. Killian_Ivory, another frequent commenter in that discussion thread is from the Ivory Coast.
The comments in this discussion thread usually end with the word "Thanks" or with the words "Thanks. Hugs". Because of space consideration, I didn't include those endings.
**
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/06/comments-about-some-west-african-first.html for a short pancocojams post that excerpts several comments about African first names from this same Lipstick Alley discussion.
This Lipstick Alley discussion thread is a spin off of a nine page discussion thread that started in September 19, 2020 that is entited https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/the-most-common-last-name-in-every-african-country.3928937/ "The Most Common Last Name in Every African Country".
****
EXCERPT OF DISCUSSION THREAD : “AFRICAN LAST NAME" SPIN OFF- MANDE LAST NAME, MEANING AND HISTORY
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/
bebelala, Sep 24, 2020
#1
"This is an informative and discussion thread about last name
in Mandé society that spread from Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina
Faso, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, and beyond
As for myself, I am Bambara from Mali, so I’ll focus on
names and history that’s more familiar to me but feel free to add more info
from your country, ethnic group or knowledge
First, let’s start with some important facts on Mandé
culture and people
As many already know, the Mandé founded 3 major empires in
West Africa : Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire.
Mandé people are primary Muslims and played a significant
role in the history of the religion in the region. Islam came from the Soninké
Nobles/Kings during the Ghana Empire. The Bambara people didn’t convert until
the jihad against in French in the 19th century. There are some
Christian/Catholic Mandé in the region and some who follow pre-Islamic belief,
but I think it depends from groups to groups and from regions as well.
So, what’s the difference between Mandé, Mandingue/Mandingo/
Mandinka/Malinke, Bambara, Soninke, Jula/Dyula ?
Mandé is the umbrella term that groups all the branches of
Mandé groups which includes but not limited to the Mandinka/Malinké, Soninké,
Bambara, Susu, Jula/Dyula, Kassonké, Mende and so on.
Mandinka/Malinke/Mandingo are the significant group of Mandé
and are dominant in Mali, North Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, with some significant
numbers in Senegal and Gambia.
The most significant Mandinka ever existed is probably
Soundjata Keita, the founder of the Empire of Mali and the grand uncle of Mansa
Musa ( his actual name is Kanku Musa, "mansa" means king).
Common Mandinka last names in Mali : Keita, Kanté, Koné,
Konaté
Soninké/Sarakolé are dominant in the Kaye region of Mali,
with some populations in Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. In Mali, we call them
Maraka, but some of them don’t like it and rather be called Soninké.
Common Soninke last names are : Gassama, Wagué, Soumaré,
Tounkara, Doucouré, Soueré, Sylla, Bathily, Fadiga, Fofona, Camara/Kamara,
Diaby/Jaby, Diawara/Jawara, Cissé/Sesay and so on.
Jula/Dyula means merchants in Malinké and are a sub group of
Mandé. The term Jula/Dyula is often used in Cote D'Ivoire.
Bambara broke off from the main Mandinka and created their
own kingdom because they didn’t want to convert to Islam. They created their
own culture and kingdoms from everyone else. Bambara are dominant in Mali, with
some population in Burkina Faso.
Common Bambara names: Traoré/Trawaly, Coulibaly, Diarra,
Boiré, Dembelé, Bamba, Katile
The Importance of Last Names in Mande society
Last names are very important in our culture. It defines
your caste (which some people still follow), your ethnicity and family history.
The history of last names is actually common knowledge in Mali and plays a big
part on how we interact with one and other.
“Mandé Mory” Marabout Class.
Marabout back in the day meant someone who was wise, a
teacher, an educator, and someone that was very spiritual and had knowledge in
herbs and religion. The meaning changed over time. In 2020, the term marabout
is interchangeable with witch doctor but there was a time when marabouts were
religious guides that had Islamic knowledge and thought it to the locals.
Marabout last names : Toure/Turay ,Sylla,Cisse/Sessay, Kaba,
Dramé.
Those names have Soninke origins. Quite a few Cissé and even
Touré in Mali are Fulanis. I'll some Fulani names later.
“Djely”,"Jaly" Griots.
A big part of Mandé culture is oral traditions and Djelys'
role is to perverse the tradition. They specialized in Mandé history, family
history, music/singing/instruments, good speech and praising. They come to
ceremonies like weddings and baptism on behalf of their Diatigui (the ones they
“work” for.). They are also used to resolve conflicts.
Examples of griots last names : Kouyaté, Diabiate, Kante,
Soumano, Kamisoko
Sinanangouya/Sanankouya :
It’s an “alliance” or call “cousinage” in French, where
clans in the Mandinka society can help, joke/tease with one and other based on
last names but also on ethnic groups. It was created under the rule of
Soundjata Keita to appease clans and ethnic tensions. For examples, Coulibaly’s
and Keita’s can tease with each other and none of them can be offended. The
only rule under Sinangouya is that groups can’t shed blood or physically hurt
each other."
**
bebelala, Sep 24, 2020
#3
"I'll add the meaning of some individual last names later . I
plan to add some fulani last names that common in the region as well because
their are some intersect with Mande names."
**
Lady2023, Sep 24, 2020
#16
…. "Many Mandinka in Gambia also have some of these last
names. I guess bc we are all part of the same extended family with the Soninkes
there are some last names in common."
**
Bebelala
Sep 24, 2020, last edited September 25, 2020
#20
"The History and meaning of the Name Traore
The history of the Traoré family is inseparable from that of
Tiramakhan Traoré, a Mandingo general who lived in the 13th century. After
Soundiata Keita's victory against King Soumahoro Kanté, the new king of Mandé
sends these generals to annex new territories and that is what Tiramakhan
Traoré will do, he also founded the Kaabunké (also called the Kaabu kingdom) in
the current Senegal after defeating the King of Bainouk, the Traoré clan begins
to reign supreme in the region. ….
That's not all, a few century later, the Traoré founded the
kingdom of Kénédougou in present-day Mali, this state is best known thanks to
Babemba Traoré who leads a fierce resistance to the French colonial troops.
Meaning
Originally, the surname Traoré is written Tarawele, it is
difficult to give it an exact etymology but several theory circulates on the
meaning of the name. The first theory (the best known) indicates that Tarawele
means "will call him". This theory holds its meaning thanks to the
scholar Solomana Kanté who presents in one of these books a warrior by the name
of Touraman Koroba (Old Touraman) who was a great warrior before the advent of
Soundiata, he had defended and protected the Manden a lot. .
After his retirement, the country was attacked by a powerful
enemy army which was on the verge of defeating Manden's army, it was said that
it was necessary to call the old Touraman to come and lend a hand to the army,
otherwise the the enemy will triumph. This is how old Touraman got up and
saddled his horse to go and fight the enemy and he managed to save the Manden.
Some decade after the victory the djelis (griots) of Manden began to praise the
descendants of Touraman Koroba by saying "aw Bemba Tara wèlé ka kélé
ban" (they called your ancestor to defeat the enemy army). Touraman is
also the ancestor of the two Tarawele brothers who killed the Do Forest buffalo
called: Dan Massa Wulani and Dan Massa Wulamba.
The little brother, Dan Massa Wulamba also bore the first
name of Touraman the Elder.
The big brother, Dan Massa Wulani took the surname Diabaté.
Another theory (less known) indicates that before having the
name Tarawele, the clan was called Trawoulé. Tra means heat and Woulé means
red, all of which is pronounced Trawoulé which designates a tough guy."
**
bebelala, Sep 25, 2020
#22
"The History and Meaning of the name Kouyate
The history of the KOUYATE clan is inseparable from that of
Balla Fasséké. This man was Soundiata KEITA's personal djeli, bequeathed to him
by his father. By maneuvers, he was delighted with this one by his brother
Dankaran Touman and was subsequently delighted with the latter by Soumaoro
Kanté the king of Sosso. One day while he was held hostage at the king of Sosso
Soumaoro Kanté (the emblematic enemy of soundiata), Balla Fasseke, in the
absence of the king of Sosso entered the most secret room of the palace, where
Soumaoro kept his fetishes. He was then drawn to an instrument, a large balafon
like he had never seen. The King of Sosso kept this xylophone in this secret
chamber and he was the only one to play it because it was a mystical balafon.
It was the Sosso bala. He therefore entered this secret chamber of the king of
Sosso and immediately began to play this instrument. Alerted and amazed by the
sounds coming from the Sosso bala, Soumaoro Kanté rushed to his secret room and
saw the djeli (griot). Although charmed by the harmonious sounds, the clear
notes, pure as gold dust that the balafon emitted, Soumaoro Kanté became mad
with rage and decided to imprison Balla Fasseke. It is said that the
imprisonment of Balla Fasséké is one of the events that triggered the battle of
Soundiata Kéita against Soumaoro Kanté. It is said that King Sosso had Balla
Fasseke's Achilles tendons cut to prevent him from running away. …
Meaning
After having imprisoned and mutilated Balla Fassaké Soumaoro
will give him a ton of nicknames: "é Balla fa se Ke" that is to say
"you who can make the bala speak" and "An Kun Yan Tè “which
means“ we cannot talk about this ”, in other words“ we have a secret. ”This
last nickname will become the surname of all the descendants of Balla Fasseke.
The patronymic will be French in KOUYATÉ. However, many
djelis (griots) bring up the origin of the KOUYATÉ at the time of DAKOUMA DAKO
DOUA the father of Balla Fasseke."
**
From https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/page-2
bebelala, Sep 25, 2020,
#31
…."[Soninkes] are a powerful group. A lot of rich and
business men in Mali are soninke. They were the first to migrate in mass to
Paris, Mali and send money back home…..
…. Interesting about the Soninke last names. They actually
have a lot of last names too. Migration, mixing, people adopting new last names
over the years could explain it. These days many names like Traore are been
held by people of multiple ethnic groups."
**
Lady2023 Sep 25, 2020
#33 [Pancocojams Editor: This comment is written in response to comment #31].
"Yes, it must be due to some migration & intermixing.
When some ethnic groups migrate to a certain area, some of them get absorbed
into the larger population and adopt a new cultural identity but still maintain
the surnames the from the old cultural identity. As long as they have sons, the
name lives on."
**
Bebelala, Sep 25, 2020
#46
"BestFwends said:
@SnakeWithHands
I didn't get an answer in the last thread but if you are
familiar with the Mandingo tribe let me quote that post.
Are they not a popular tribe in comparison to the Igbos,
Yorubas, Maasais and Zulus?
Mandingo is the English translation of the French name
Manding. Mandingo is a significant ethnic group in West Africa but they broke
down into multiple groups like Soninke, Susu, Mande, Bambara and so on.
The term Mandingo is what American described a “big black”
man. Im going to let Americans describe the significance of the name tho"
**
Bebelala, Sep 27, 2020
#54
"Meaning and history of the name Keita
I - History
The first to bear this surname is the famous Diata
Konaté, better known as Soundiata Keïta. The latter is the founder of the
Mandingo Empire, one of the most powerful states on the continent. The Keïta
family will lead the Mandingo Empire from the beginning until the decline of
the empire, all the mansas (kings) will be members of this dynasty, except two.
In the 12th century, the Mandé region was divided into three provinces ruled by
the Malinké clans: the Condé ruled over the Do province, the Camara over the
Bouré and the Keïta / Konaté allied with the Traoré in the Kiri. Around 1050,
the Keita / Konaté clan won out over the others.
II - Meaning On the death of Naré Maghann Konaté, his
eldest son Dankaran Toumani succeeds him on the throne, he will be replaced a
few years later by his younger brother Soundiata. The people of the country and
of the other kingdoms called the two brothers: Keyéta, which means "the
heirs" in old Malinké, the word will later become Keita. The history of
Keita is inseparable from that of Konaté, in fact, Keïta is equivalent to
Konaté."
**
bebelala, Sep 27, 2020
#55
"The meaning and history of Camara/Kamara
I - History
The Camara/Kamara are considered to be the oldest family
to have lived in Mandé (historic land of the Mandingo people) after having
left, due to the drought, Oualata, a region of Wagadou (Empire of Ghana), in
south-eastern Mauritania today. They founded the first villages of Mandé:
Kirikoroni, Kirina, Sibi and Kita. Several large cities of the Empire of Ghana
were founded by the Camara (or Kamara). The city of Niani (historical capital
of the Mandingo Empire) was also founded by Camara (or Kamara), Niani is founded
by Kolomba Kamara; four generations after him comes Kolinkin Kamara, whose son
is Niani Massa Kara Kamara. the Kamara are subsequently led to abandon Niani
because of an epidemic, either sleeping sickness or yellow fever and will
settle in several other towns in the upper Niger valley, including
Niani-Kouroula, Niani in the mountain, before moving to Dakadjalan.
II - Meaning
Kâ means in old Soninké case, hut and by extension,
household, clan, village, fortress as for “Mara” he means to keep and in the
imperative, that gives, “guard”. Camara (or Kamara) then means: l man who
protects the fortress or the man who takes care of the house, the protector for
short. The Kamissoko, Doumbia or Kourouma (it's the same name), Coulibaly,
Fofana, Sissoko, Tounkara or Toungara, Cissé, Magassouba families, and the list
is not exhaustive, are sinangous (joking relatives) of the Camara."
**
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/page-3
Bebelala, Oct 14, 2020
#69
'The "Fulanis of Wassoulou"
The Wassoulou was reportedly founded by Kali Diallo who came
with a wave of Fulanis from the Fouta Djallon. They were for looking refuge
from a Mandinka king. This King redirected them to his rival Bambara king
called Solon and told them "Ayewa Balon Bare" meaning "Go to
Solon" which is how the name Wassolon (or Wassulu/Wassoulou) came about.
Some Mandinka clans admired the Wassoulouke (people of
Wassoulou) who worked hard in the agricultural field. The Mandinka adopted
their last names and some Wassoulou married into the local Mandinka population.
Over time, the Wassoulou became "mandinsised" and the Fulani language
got lost as well as the stereotypical Fulani "look". The language was
officially extinct in the reign of Samory Toure who outlaw speaking Fulani
(could be sentence to death).
There are Wassoulou last name and their supposed Fulani
equivalent :
Diallo - Dial
Sangare - Barry
Sidibe - Sow
Diakite - Bah"
The biggest promoter of Wassoulou music ever is without a doubt Oumou Sangare
But there are many others that are well known in Mali. Unfortunately, many of them have past away."….
**
Bebelala, Oct 14, 2020
#71
"Lady2023 said:
Do the Foulanke have their own dialect? You said they are a
mix of Peul and Malinke. Is their language a mix of both languages? It’s just
interesting that they’ve branched off and formed their own group. Also, the
name “Foulanke” is interesting. It sounds like a mix of “Fulani” and “Malinke”.
I know Peul is the French word for Fulani.
I just did a post about the Wassoulou. They don't have their
dialect, the Fulani language got lost over time. There is another group
thought, the Kassonke, who are mix of Fulani and Mande and they have their
distinct culture as well as their own language. They have last names
Mandinka/Soninke last names like Sissoko, Konate, but also Wassoulou last names
like Sidibe, Diakite. "
**
Bebelala, Oct 15, 2020
#75
"Lady2023 said:
Wow, so Toure forced them to become Mandinka. It seems like
the[y] are just Mandinka now.
Do you know how they determine this equivalence?
They had already embraced many aspects of Mandé culture
including the language and barely spoke Fulani. Touré just put the nail in the
coffin.
As for the names, it's really just the Mandinka fulani name.
Fulanis have many subgroups/caste. For example, according to Fulani griot,
Diakité belongs in the group of the Diallubé - which includes Fulani names like
Diaw, Diallo, Kane, Ka, Dicko.
Sangaré belongs in the Nduyebé which includes Fulani names
like Barry, Shangari, Sankara (Thomas Sankara's father was a mix of Fulani and
Mossi)".
**
Killian_Ivory, Oct 15, 2020
#76
…."I noticed that usually Senoufo have names like
Coulibaly, Kone, Toure, Diarrasouba, Ouattara, Bamba. ...
Btw, Mande names have their equivalent in Senoufo culture
too. The Senoufo families that kept their original names are usually not
muslim.
Soro - Coulibaly
Tuho/Tuo - Diarrasouba
Silue - Kone
Sekongo-can be Traore or Sanogo
Yeo - Ouattara"....
**
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/page-4
Lady2023, Oct 21, 2020
#107
nubianDutch said:
Wow thank you for sharing. My mom is a sesay and my dad
kamara. Although we claim sierra leone my grandpa from my mom side has always
claimed that his parent came from mali. On my dad side from guinea originally.
My dads mom is susu/fula but his dad is temne fula. So interesting
In Gambia Kamara (we spell it Camara) is mostly a Mandinka
name and can also be found among some Soninke. Sesay (spelled Ceesay in Gambia)
is usually Mandinka as well. I have a Guinean friend who told me that Camara is
also Mandinka over there. I’m not surprised your grandpa said you guys are from
Mali. The Mandinka are originally from Mali."
**
bebelala, Oct 21, 2020
#108
"History of the name Konaté
The history of the Konaté family is inseparable from that of
Mamady Kani Konaté, he was a hunter king, and most likely one of the first
Manding king. He was considered a great hunter in his time, tamer of wild
animals and healer of men and animals. He invented the sîmbo or soumbo, a
hunting whistle: with the aid of the latter he entered into communication with
the geniuses of the bush. His disciples were so numerous that he united them to
form a great formidable army. Thanks to his army, he became king of a vast
country which stretched from Sankarani to Bouré. He had four sons: Kani Simbo,
Kanignogo Simbo, Kabala Simbo and Simbo Bamari Tagnogokelin. They were all
introduced to hunting, which earned them the title of Simbo.
Simbo Bamari had for son Mbalinéné, who had for son Bello
Bakon or Fakon.
Bakon/Fakon had a son named Naré Maghan Kon Fata Konaté.
Nare Kon Fata who was also known as Frakro Maghan Keïgni, or
Maghan "the Handsome", had a son named Soundiata Keita.
The Konaté are the descendents of the brothers, or uncles
that did not reign the Mandé kingdom
The Konaté, Konaré and Keita last names are from the same
family.
A Konaté can accept to be called Keita but a Keita can never
called a Konaté.
Meaning
According to the elders, this name comes from the story of a
Malinke man who, although married, was not fortunate enough to have children.
Unable to bear being the laughing stock of the whole village, the man left his
native village to settle in his mother's. Once settled there, his uncles gave
him a young wife in marriage. He had a child with his new wife. Later, he had a
second child, then a third, then a fourth. The inhabitants of his native
village who were passing through there were surprised to find that the one they
called infertile and helpless, was in fact fertile.
"He is not infertile" is translated, in Malinké,
by the expression "KONNAN-TÊH "
**
bebelala, Oct 21, 2020
#109
"The History of Keita
The first to bear this surname is the famous Diata Konaté,
better known as Soundiata Keïta or Sogonlo Diatta Keyta .
The latter is the founder of the Mandingo Empire, one of the
most powerful states on the continent. The Keïta family will lead the Mandingo/Mandinka/Mandé
Empire from the beginning until the decline of the empire, all the mansas
(kings) will be members of this dynasty, except two.
In the 12th century, the Mandé region was divided into three
provinces ruled by the Malinké clans: the Condé ruled over the Do province, the
Camara over the Bouré and the Keïta / Konaté allied with the Traoré in the
Kiri. Around 1050, the Keita / Konaté clan won out over the others.
Meaning
Keita translate in Malinke "A Ti Ke Ta" which
means " he took it/ he inherited". Therefore, Soundiata/Sogonlo
Konate, became Soundiata Keita, the Mandé Mansa/King.
Keita is the royal name, that later became a clan and
nowadays, Keitas are the descendants of this clan
Soundiata Keita's story is very well known in
Mali. I plan to post his story later. "…
**
Lady2023, Oct 29, 2020
#111
"The series on Sundiata is interesting. I’m curious to see
where his descendants ended up. I was told by a family member that he’s our
ancestor. I look forward to the next part.
SnakeWithHands said:
When born, Sundiata received the name "Diatta" or
"Djata" which means Lion in Mandinka. The "Sun" comes from
his mother's name "Songolon".
This is an interesting fact. In Gambia, we have a Mandinka
surname which is Diatta (spelled Jatta in Gambia). Does that surname exist in
Mali?
Also, I have another question for you that’s not related to
Sundiata. Does Mali have a group called the Mandinka separate from the Bambara?
**
bebelala, Oct 29, 2020
#112
"In Mali, the surname close to Jatta is Diarra, which means
lions are well. But Diarra and the history of the name are not really related
to Sundiata. I'll post the history and meaning of Diarra later
Yes, the Mandinkas are called the Mandinka in Mali or Malinké
in French and are separate from the Bambara. But I think there way more Bambara
people than there are Mandinka in Mali. But I wonder if that's because the
Bambara language is the lingua franca language in Mali. Mandinkas are far more
numerous in Guinea."
**
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/page-5
bebelala, Dec 7, 2020
#163
"Name and history of the name Haidara
Also spelled Aidara, is a name that's quite common in Mali.
Soninkes, Fulanis, Songhais, Bambaras and Mandinkas can carry the name.
The name itself has arabic/moorish origins. It comes from
the word arabic word for lion ''Asad/Asada/Haydar".
Haidaras are considered to be nobles. It says that people
with this last name are descended for the Prophet Mohamed from this daughter
Fatima, which I think is none sense."
**
bebelala, Dec 7, 2020
#168
'History and Meaning of Touré
Also known as Tourey or Turé in anglophone countries
Touré is from the Soninké word, elephant, "tuure".
The elephant was a animal that well respected among the Soninkés especially in
the kingdom lead by Kaya Maghan Cissé. Cissé's personal guard was often called
tuure since the animal represented force, power and intelligence.
Touré and the last name Samaké are related.
Since, Sama = elephant, Ke= person/human
In the 18th century, Tourés, along with with Cissés,
Berethés, became the "Mandé Mory", the spiritual teachers and
founders of Islam in the Mandé society. Due to this, the last spread and the
name can be found in Soninkes, Fulanis, Mandinkas, Songhais and Bambaras."
**
bebelala, Dec 19, 2020
#172
"The 4 founding Fulani clan
-Sow
-Diallo/Jallow
-Bah/Ba
-Barry
As we all know, the origin of the Fulanis is a question that
has sparked debates among anthropologists, archaeologists and historians. Oral
tradition traces them back to Ethiopia, Egypt and even Berbers (north africa),
at the time of a mythical union between two beings who gave birth to the
ancestors of the four founding clans: Barry, Diallo, Sow and Ba.
In the Fulani imagination, these clans are linked to the
four elements (fire, air, water, earth) and to the four colors of the coats of
bovines (yellow, red, black, white). Because the essence of the Fulani is
intimately linked to the cow and to pastoralism."
**
Lady2023, Dec 19, 2020
#173
"SnakeWithHands said:
The 4 founding Fulani clan
-Sow
-Diallo/Jallow
-Bah/Ba
-Barry
The majority of Fulanis will have one of these four
surnames.
**
bebelala, Dec 23, 2020
#174
"The History and meaning of Coulibaly (Also spelled Koulibaly
or Krubally)
The Coulibaly story in this article is that of the Coulibaly
people who lived in the Ghana Empire before settling in Bélédougou and then on
the banks of the Niger River. This version of history was collected from the
Coulibaly families and not from the griots. These Coulibalys are found in the
circles of Nioro, Kita and Diéma (East of Mali)
According to this version, Coulibaly is a Bambara name given
after the end of Wagadou, to a group who lived on the heights of the Mandingo
mountains, between the countries of Sobra and Siby. According to Soninké
traditions, the Coulibalys venerated the Mandingo mountains and especially the
mountain of Sobra (north of Narena) which also served them as an observation
point to monitor the enemy coming from Mande. The inhabitants of this natural
barrier were called Kouloubali (koulou = mountain, bali = obstacle) and meaning
"those who prevent the enemy from the heights".
Another tradition collected among the Bambara griots,
reports that the word Coulibaly is another deformation. The Niangolo and
Baramangolo brothers, who came from Kong and Pursued by assailants, reached the
Niger river but couldn't find any canoes to cross it. They will nevertheless
succeed in crossing it thanks to a catfish, which, according to this version,
would have metamorphosed into a bridge or would have transported them on its back.
From this episode, the two brothers will take the name of
"Coulibaly", Kulun-Bali meaning in Bambara "Without
Pirogue" (Kulun = "Pirogue", Bali = "Without",
Negation). This would also be the origin of the food ban of catfish for the
Coulibaly.
**
bebelala, Jan 19, 2021
#178
Lady2023 said:
@SnakeWithHands Are you familiar with this Malian player in
France? Moussa Sissoko? Is he Soninke or Bambara/Mandinka?...
Sissoko is originally Soninke. It means horse or from the
horse word. It’s a very common last name but it’s not extremely widespread like
Toure, Traore or Cisse.
I am not very familiar with him at all but I am ready to bet
that he is Soninke origin.
Soninkes were among the first Malians to immigrate to France
and it became a trend for everyone. So tons of Malians and children of Malian
immigrants in France are Soninke origin."
****
From https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/%E2%80%9Cafrican-last-name%E2%80%9D-spin-off-mand%C3%A9-last-name-meaning-and-history.3945451/page-7
PeterPanSwag
Jan 21, 2021
#183
"Adding more surnames. I am from Cote D'ivoire so these are
some common mande names there. Some of those mentioned already are popular
there so I won't mention them.
Diarra, Lasso, Sakho, Dosso, Gbané, Doucouré Doumbia,
Diomandé, Sanogo/sanon, Bamba, Soumahoro, Cissoko, Kamissoko, Mané, Sané,
Sawané, Sangaré, Sidibé Dembelé, Dramé, Diakité, Ouattara, Bertha, Fakholy."
****
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