The nameMama
Mama is a West African girl's name, given in France since the 1950s.
- Girl's name
- West African
Meaning
Its meaning varies with the language and the family.
Origin
West African, notably Malian and Guinean.
History
First given in France in the late 1950s, Mama has been given discreetly but steadily since the 1980s and is still given today.
Popularity of the name Mama
Mama in France
Mama was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 220 births over the decade, 19% of all recorded babies named Mama. Its rise began around 1957, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Mama in France were born before 2002. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 32 births a year on average, against 23 in the five years before.
Mama in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mama mean?
Its meaning varies with the language and the family.
What is the origin of the name Mama?
West African, notably Malian and Guinean.
Is Mama a girl's or a boy's name?
Mama is a girl's name.