Kebba

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEB-bah /ˈkɛb.ɑ/Medium

Meaning: A well-established given name in The Gambia and among Mandinka speakers, where it is commonly understood as 'elder' or 'the older one' — a name of respect. Sources vary on the precise gloss, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A West African name of respect: Kebba is a Gambian Mandinka name usually read as 'elder' (said 'KEB-bah').

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Origin MediumMandinka

MeaningA well-established given name in The Gambia and among Mandinka speakers, where it is commonly understood as 'elder' or 'the older one' — a name of respect. Sources vary on the precise gloss, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13246 ↘ Falling

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

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 47

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

Kebba is a traditional Mandinka name of The Gambia and neighboring regions, generally glossed as 'elder' or 'senior'. It travelled to the U.S. with Gambian families, where it remains rare. Because references differ on the precise sense, we note the meaning as not fully settled (said 'KEB-bah').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare here, familiar in The Gambia.

Did you know? Kebba is a familiar name in The Gambia, where it is commonly understood to mean 'elder' — a title of respect carried from childhood. Sources vary on the exact gloss, which we note.

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Kebba — Gambian/Mandinka name; commonly 'elder'; gloss varies

Variations

KebaKebbehKebbah

Nicknames

KebBah

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeheritage west-african mandinka respectful

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kebba mean?

Kebba is a Gambian Mandinka name usually understood as 'elder' — a name of respect. Sources vary on the exact gloss, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kebba?

It's said KEB-bah /ˈkɛb.ɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kebba a boy or girl name?

Kebba is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kebba?

Kebba is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though it is familiar in The Gambia.