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Mansa
Pronounced MAHN-sah /ΛmΙn.sΙ/Medium
Meaning: From Mandinka mansa, 'king, emperor, sultan' (the title of the rulers of the Mali Empire)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Mansa comes from Mandinka mansa, 'king, emperor, sultan' β the title borne by the rulers of the Mali Empire, most famously Mansa Musa, often called the richest person in history. A regal, proud West African name.
In the U.S. it appears in West African and African American families. Rare, king at the root, and regal.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Mansa mean?
Mansa is Mandinka for 'king, emperor, sultan' (the title of Mali's rulers).
How do you pronounce Mansa?
It's said MAHN-sah /ΛmΙn.sΙ/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Mansa a boy or girl name?
Mansa is a boy's name.
How popular is Mansa?
Mansa is a rare name in the U.S.