Fatou

Fatou is a female first name that is used in West Africa as a short form of Fatima, an Arabic name. The literal translation of the name is 'the weaning one' or 'the abstaining one'.

What does the name Fatou mean?

The name Fatou is regarded as a West African abbreviation of Fatima, an Arabic first name. Its meanings include 'the weaning one' and 'the abstaining one'. In Muslim culture, the name is particularly known through the Prophet Mohammed's youngest daughter, who was named Fāṭima Zahrā. In this context, Fatou can also be interpreted as 'the radiant Fatou' or 'the luminous Fatou'. The origin of the name lies in the Arabic language, derived from the word fatama, which means 'to wean', 'to abstain', 'to refrain', 'to live abstinently', and 'to wean off'. The name is especially prevalent in Gambia and Senegal, where it is often chosen for firstborn girls. Fatou is one of the most common girls' names in the Arab and Muslim world. Additionally, it is also used as a surname. Other forms of the name include Fatimah, Fatime, Fatimeh, Fatema, Fatemah, Fatemeh, Fatma, Fadma, Fatos, Fatimetu, and Fatoumata.

Where does the name Fatou come from?

The etymology of Fatou points to an Arabic female first name that can be translated as 'the weaning one'. The Arabic

How do you pronounce Fatou?

The pronunciation of Fatou is two syllables and has a rounded sound. In German pronunciation, the name is usually pronounced as 'Fa-TOU' [faˈtuː], with the emphasis on the second syllable. This emphasis gives the name a clear rhythmic structure. The long 'U' contributes to a deeper sound quality. The name ends softly, without hard final consonants, which gives it a gentle aura. Fatou thus appears warm and present – harmonious, clear, and with quiet strength.

When is the name day of Fatou?

The name day for Fatou is celebrated on May 13.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Fatou enjoys great popularity and currently ranks 2,107th among the most common female first names. Its best ranking was in 2007 at 1,198th place. In the last ten years, Fatou has been given as a first name about 140 times, placing it 2,004th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it holds the 2,273rd rank.

Nicknames & pet names

Fat / Tou

Famous people

• Fatou Bensouda (lawyer, politician)
• Fatou Diome (Senegalese author)
• Fatou Mandiang Diatta (Senegalese rapper)
• Fatou Ndiaye (actress from France)
• Fatou Ndiaye Sow (Senegalese singer)
• Fatou Niang Siga (writer from Senegal)
• Fatou Tiyana (Gambian athlete)
• Mame Fatou Faye (hurdler from Senegal)
• Ndeye Fatou Soumah (Senegalese sprinter)