Oumou is a beautiful African name of Wolof origin, primarily used in West African countries like Senegal and The Gambia. Its meaning varies depending on the region, but it generally translates to "peace" or "harmony." In some parts of Africa, Oumou is also associated with the Islamic faith due to its connection with the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, Fatima az-Zahra, who was also known as Umm Kulthum, a name that sounds similar to Oumou.
The history behind the name Oumou is deeply rooted in African culture and traditions. In many Wolof communities, names are often given based on the day of the week on which a child is born or in honor of an important family member. Thus, it's possible that some girls were named Oumou in reference to their grandmother or aunt who bore this name before them.
In recent years, Oumou has gained popularity beyond Africa as more people become aware of its unique meaning and beauty. Today, you can find individuals bearing this name throughout the world, with a significant presence still maintained in West African communities and among those of Senegalese and Gambian descent living abroad.
Despite its growing global recognition, Oumou remains deeply connected to its African roots, embodying the values of peace and harmony that have shaped Wolof culture for centuries. For many families, choosing this name is seen as an honorable way to celebrate their heritage while also bestowing a meaningful and powerful moniker upon their child.
The name Oumou has been given to babies of both genders over the past few decades in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only six births with this name in 1996, indicating that it was quite rare at the time.
However, things started to change in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The number of babies named Oumou increased steadily each year until reaching a peak of 43 births in 2013. This suggests that the name gained popularity during this period, with parents choosing it more frequently for their children.
After 2013, the popularity of the name Oumou seemed to fluctuate somewhat. There were years when the number of births with this name decreased slightly, such as in 2014 and 2015, but there were also years when it remained relatively stable or even increased again, like in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In recent years, the number of births with the name Oumou has hovered around an average of 30 per year.
In total, from 1996 to 2023, there have been 690 babies named Oumou born in the United States. This shows that while the name may not have been very common at first, it has since become more popular and is now chosen for a significant number of newborns each year.