Muslim names in the Gambia.
Muslim Names and Traditional Gambian Culture:
In The Gambia, names carry deep cultural and religious significance. As a predominantly Muslim country, many Gambians bear Islamic names, such as Muhammad, Fatoumata, Abdoulie, and Aisha. These names often reflect the family’s faith and are inspired by Arabic names mentioned in the Qur’an or associated with the Prophet Muhammad, his household and companions.
However, Gambian naming traditions also incorporate strong cultural elements. Among the Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, and other ethnic groups, traditional names are often given alongside Islamic ones. These names may reflect family heritage, birth circumstances, or ancestral honour. For example, a child might be named Lamin and Bojang (Mandinka) or Njie and Faye (Wolof) as a surname, even while carrying a Muslim first name like Haroona.
It is common to see names such as Lamin Saine or Fatou Camara—a blend of Islamic and local heritage. Naming ceremonies, called ngenteh in Wolof, combine Islamic prayer rituals with traditional music and communal feasting.
This blend of religion and tradition reflects The Gambia’s unique identity—deeply Islamic yet proudly African. Names, therefore, are not just identifiers but a celebration of both faith and culture passed through generations.
Some Muslim names in the Gambia..
Buba/Boba = Abu Bakr in The Gambia.
Ishatou/Isha/Isa is Aisha.
Lima is Halima.
Awa is Hawa.
Molamin is Muhammad Al Amin.
Ali is Alieu
Hadijatou/Haddy/Kady is Khadijah.
Fatou/Fatoumatta/Tima is Fatima.
Jainabah/Sainabah is Zaynab.
Roheya is Ruqayah.
And the list goes on…
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