Fode

♂ Boy

Pronounced FOH-day /ˈfoʊ.deɪ/Medium

Meaning: Fode is a West African name, a form of Foday, common among the Mandinka and in Guinea, Mali and Senegal, generally meaning 'religious teacher' or 'scholar.' It carries West African heritage and is noted here respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A West African name: Fode means 'religious teacher; scholar' (said 'FOH-day').

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Origin MediumMandinka, West African

MeaningFode is a West African name, a form of Foday, common among the Mandinka and in Guinea, Mali and Senegal, generally meaning 'religious teacher' or 'scholar.' It carries West African heritage and is noted here respectfully.

U.S. rank (2024)#12867 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 42

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

Fode is a West African name, a form of Foday, common among the Mandinka and in Guinea, Mali and Senegal, generally 'religious teacher' or 'scholar.' It reflects a title of Islamic learning. Noted here with respect (said 'FOH-day').

In the U.S. it is rare and reads as a heritage name. Rare, dignified, and meaningful.

Did you know? Fode, a form of Foday among the Mandinka of West Africa, carries 'religious teacher' or 'scholar' — a title of learning turned name, noted here respectfully (said 'FOH-day').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Fode — Mandinka/West African; form of Foday; 'religious teacher; scholar'

Variations

FodayFodie

Nicknames

FoDee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Fode…

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By themeheritage west-african dignified mandinka

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fode mean?

Fode is a West African (Mandinka) name, a form of Foday, generally meaning 'religious teacher' or 'scholar.'

How do you pronounce Fode?

It's said FOH-day /ˈfoʊ.deɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Fode a boy or girl name?

Fode is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Fode?

Fode is a rare name in the U.S.