Abdoulaye is a male given name of West African origin, particularly common among the Wolof ethnic group in Senegal and The Gambia. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have been derived from the Arabic language.
In Arabic, 'Abd' means "servant" or "slave," while '-ullah' signifies "of Allah" or "of God." Thus, Abdoulaye could be interpreted as meaning "Servant of God" or "Slave of God." This name is often given to children in Muslim families as a tribute to their religious faith.
The name Abdoulaye has been prominent among the Wolof people for generations. It was the name of prominent historical figures such as Abdoulaye Ly, a Senegalese independence leader and politician who played a significant role in the struggle against French colonial rule.
Despite its historic usage, Abdoulaye remains popular today, often used by families seeking to honor their faith or cultural heritage. It is typically spelled Abdoulaye in French-speaking regions and Abdoulie in English-speaking areas. However, both spellings refer to the same name and meaning.
"The name Abdoulie experienced its highest popularity with 15 births in 2004, while the most recent year recorded, 2023, saw a decrease to just 5 births. Over these years, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of newborns named Abdoulie, totaling 125."