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Sekou

♂ Boy

Sekou Pronunciation

Sekou is pronounced SAY-koo /ˈseɪ.ku/Medium

Meaning: From Mandinka/West African Sekou — linked to Arabic shaykh, 'learned one, elder', or 'fighter'; routes layeredMedium

In 30 seconds: Learned and strong: Sekou is West African for 'wise, learned one' — borne by leader Sekou Toure. Dignified, proud, and warm.
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Origin MediumWest African, Arabic
MeaningFrom Mandinka/West African Sekou — linked to Arabic shaykh, 'learned one, elder', or 'fighter'; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#4526 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,083

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201119702024

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

History & Origin

Sekou comes from Mandinka and broader West African use — linked to Arabic shaykh, 'learned one, elder', and sometimes glossed 'fighter' (routes layered, which we note). Borne by leader Sekou Toure, it's a dignified, proud name across West Africa.

In the U.S. it appears in West African and African American families. Rare, learned-one at the (likely) root, and dignified.

Did you know? Sekou (from Arabic shaykh, 'learned elder') is a proud West African name — borne by Guinea's first president Ahmed Sekou Toure; dignified and strong.
Overall data confidence 70%
West African references — Sekou — routes layered

Variations

SekuSekoeSheku

Nicknames

Sek

Famous Bearers

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If you like Sekou…

Amadou— another West African name
Ousmane— a fellow Sahel name
Mouhamadou— a similarly popular pick
Rahzi— another Arabic name
Moussa— a fellow Arabic choice

→ See all names like Sekou

Browse the whole category: All West African names →  ·  All Arabic names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Sekou?

Sekou is pronounced SAY-koo (/ˈseɪ.ku/). Press play above to hear Sekou said aloud.

How do you say Sekou?

Sekou is said SAY-koo (/ˈseɪ.ku/). Press play above to hear Sekou said aloud.

What does the name Sekou mean?

Sekou is West African (from Arabic shaykh) for 'learned one, elder', sometimes 'fighter'; the routes are layered.

Is Sekou a boy or girl name?

Sekou is a boy's name.

How popular is Sekou?

Sekou is a rare name in the U.S.

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