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Home › Baby Names Directory › Modou

Modou

♂ Boy

Pronounced moh-DOO /moʊˈduː/Medium

Meaning: Modou is a Senegalese form of Muhammad, widely used in Wolof-speaking communities in Senegal and the Gambia, often alongside the fuller Mamadou. Muhammad comes from Arabic and is understood as 'praiseworthy' or 'praised one.' The name is borne with reverence in Muslim families, and we note that respectfully.Medium

In 30 seconds: A Senegalese Wolof form of Muhammad — 'praiseworthy' (said 'moh-DOO'). Common in Senegal and the Gambia.
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Origin MediumWolof, Senegalese
MeaningModou is a Senegalese form of Muhammad, widely used in Wolof-speaking communities in Senegal and the Gambia, often alongside the fuller Mamadou. Muhammad comes from Arabic and is understood as 'praiseworthy' or 'praised one.' The name is borne with reverence in Muslim families, and we note that respectfully.
U.S. rank (2023)#13508 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2004
Total births (all-time)≈ 70

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201120032023

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

Modou is a Wolof form of Muhammad, common in Senegal and the Gambia, where Mamadou is the fuller companion form. The Arabic name behind it is understood as 'praiseworthy' or 'praised one,' and it is among the most widely borne names in the world. We treat its background respectfully (said 'moh-DOO').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S., mainly in West African families. Rare here, common in Senegal.

Did you know? Modou is one of the everyday Senegalese forms of Muhammad, standing alongside Mamadou in Wolof-speaking families. The Arabic root means 'praiseworthy,' and the name is borne with reverence — which we note respectfully (said 'moh-DOO').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Modou — Wolof/Senegalese form of Muhammad; Arabic 'praiseworthy'

Variations

MamadouMuhammadModu

Nicknames

MoDouModu

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Modou…

Mamadou— the fuller Wolof form beside Modou
Muhammad— the Arabic name behind it
Ousmane— a like Senegalese boys' name
Cheikh— a like West African Muslim pick

Explore names like Modou

By thememusliminternationalwolofsenegalese

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Modou mean?

Modou is a Senegalese Wolof form of Muhammad, an Arabic name understood as 'praiseworthy' or 'praised one.'

How do you pronounce Modou?

It's said moh-DOO /moʊˈduː/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Modou a boy or girl name?

Modou is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Modou?

Modou is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though common in Senegal and the Gambia.

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