The nameFatou
Fatou is a short West African form of Fatima, very common in Senegal and Gambia.
- Girl's name
- West African
Meaning
Fatou comes from Fatoumata, from the Arabic Fatima, "one who weans".
Origin
West African, from Arabic.
History
In England and Wales Fatou reached 1535th place in 2004.
Did you know?
- The Gambian lawyer Fatou Bensouda was prosecutor of the International Criminal Court from 2012 to 2021.
Famous people named Fatou
- Fatou Diome, novelist
- Fatou Bensouda, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
Popularity of the name Fatou
Fatou in the United States
Fatou was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 429 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Fatou. Its rise began around 1992, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Fatou in the United States were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 41 births a year.
Fatou in France
Fatou was most popular in France in the 2010s, with 855 births over the decade, 27% of all recorded babies named Fatou. Its rise began around 1977, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Fatou in France were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 125 births a year on average, against 105 in the five years before.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Fatou
Names from the same generation as Fatou, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Fatou? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Fatou with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Fatou side by side with the name of your choice.
Fatou in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Fatou mean?
Fatou comes from Fatoumata, from the Arabic Fatima, "one who weans".
What is the origin of the name Fatou?
West African, from Arabic.
Is Fatou a girl's or a boy's name?
Fatou is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Fatou?
In 2024, Fatou was the 2995th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 55 births.
What are the variants of the name Fatou?
Variants and related names of Fatou include Fatima and Fatoumata.
What are good sibling names for Fatou?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Mariama, Kadiatou, Aminata and Aissatou for a sister, Ibrahima, Mamadou, Abdoulaye and Mervin for a brother.
Who are famous people named Fatou?
Fatou Diome, novelist; Fatou Bensouda, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.