Abou

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-boo /ˈɑː.buː/Medium

Meaning: Usually from the Arabic Abu, 'father of,' an honorific prefix in names like Abu Bakr. In West Africa (especially Mande-speaking regions) Abou is common as a given name and short form, often of Aboubacar. Routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A warm short name: Abou comes from Arabic Abu, 'father of' (said 'AH-boo'). Common in West Africa; routes noted.

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Origin LowArabic, West African

MeaningUsually from the Arabic Abu, 'father of,' an honorific prefix in names like Abu Bakr. In West Africa (especially Mande-speaking regions) Abou is common as a given name and short form, often of Aboubacar. Routes uncertain.

U.S. rank (2024)#10914 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 104

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Abou most often comes from the Arabic Abu, 'father of,' an honorific woven into many classical names. In West Africa, especially Mande-speaking countries, it stands on its own as a warm, common given name and short form of Aboubacar. Both routes are real, so we note them (said 'AH-boo').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in West African families. Rare, warm, and short.

Did you know? Abou usually traces to the Arabic Abu, 'father of' — the honorific in names like Abu Bakr — and is widely used across West Africa, often as a short form of Aboubacar; routes uncertain (said 'AH-boo').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Abou — Arabic Abu 'father of'; West African short form; routes noted

Variations

AbuAboubacarAboud

Nicknames

AbuBou

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Abou…

Abubakar— the name Abou often shortens

Amadou— a like West African boys' name

Ibrahim— a like Muslim West African pick

Moussa— a like warm West African name

Explore names like Abou

By themeuncertain arabic short west-african

By meaningGift / Blessing Honor

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Abou mean?

Abou usually comes from the Arabic Abu, 'father of.' It is also a common West African given name and short form; routes uncertain.

How do you pronounce Abou?

It's said AH-boo /ˈɑː.buː/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Abou a boy or girl name?

Abou is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Abou?

Abou is a rare name in the U.S., familiar across West Africa.