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Last Name Attoh-mensah

What is the origin of the last name Attoh-mensah?

The surname Attoh-Mensah is of Ghanaian origin. It is a composite name formed by combining two separate family names common in the Akan ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana. "Attoh" is derived from the Akan word "atto," which means "king," and "ah," meaning "born." Therefore, Attoh can be interpreted as "born king." On the other hand, "Mensah" comes from the Akan name "Mena," which means "ruler" or "king." So, Mensah translates to "son of a ruler" or "son of a king." Therefore, Attoh-Mensah can be translated as "born son of a king" or "born prince" in the Akan language. The name likely represents an individual who was born into a royal family or held a significant position within their community in Ghana.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Attoh-mensah

The meaning and origin of the last name Attoh-mensah

The surname Attoh-Mensah is a composite name of Ghanaian origin, derived from two separate Akan ethnolinguistic groups: the Fante and the Asante. The name "Attoh" is associated with the Fante tribe, while "Mensah" is commonly found among the Asante.

The surname Attoh has its roots in the Fante town of Elmina, located on the southern coast of Ghana. It is derived from the Twi language and is believed to mean "tiger."

On the other hand, Mensah is a patronymic name common among the Asante people, meaning "born to" or "son of" a man named Mensa. The name Mensa translates to "one who has a throne," reflecting the high status of an individual in Asante society.

Therefore, the surname Attoh-Mensah combines elements from both the Fante and Asante cultures, possibly indicating a mixed ancestry or alliance between these two influential tribes in Ghanaian history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Attoh-mensah

The surname Attoh-Mensah predominantly originates from Ghana, West Africa. It is a composite name that combines two distinct Ghanian last names: Attoh and Mensah. The Attoh surname is commonly found in the Central Region of Ghana, particularly in Cape Coast and its surrounding areas. On the other hand, Mensah is a widely distributed surname across Ghana, but it is most prevalent in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions. However, due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the Attoh-Mensah surname can also be found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia. The name's global distribution reflects historical events such as colonization and labor migrations that have connected Ghanaians to other continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Attoh-mensah

Attoh-Mensah is a Ghanaian surname, often found within the Akan ethnic group. The name can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration from the original Akan language. Some common spelling variations include: Atoh-Mensah, Attohmenseh, Attoh-Mensah, Atohmensah, Attomensah, Attohmenzah, Atohmenza, Attohmensa, and Attomensa. These variations are the result of differences in pronunciation, phonetic transliteration, and orthographic interpretation. It's essential to consider cultural context when encountering these different spellings as they are all likely referencing the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Attoh-mensah

Notable individuals with the surname Attoh-Mensah include:

1. Akwasi Agyeman Attoh-Mensah, a Ghanaian politician who served as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources from January 2017 to January 2021. He is also a member of Parliament for the Subin Constituency in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

2. Kofi Attoh-Mensah, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as Ghana's Ambassador to Germany from 2013 to 2017. Prior to his ambassadorship, he held several positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana.

3. Samuel Attoh-Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of SAMS Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, construction, telecommunications, and energy. He was also the President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) from 2017 to 2019.

4. Kofi Attoh-Mensah, a British-Ghanaian footballer who played as a midfielder. He made appearances for clubs such as West Ham United and Millwall in the English Football League.

Genealogical research on the last name Attoh-mensah

The Attoh-Mensah surname is primarily associated with Ghana and has roots in the Akan tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. The name combines two distinct elements: "Attoh" or "Atta," which means 'king' or 'ruler,' and "Mensah," a common patronymic denoting descent from an individual named Mensa.

The Attoh-Mensah lineage can be traced back to the Asante kingdom, one of the most powerful states in West Africa during the 17th to 20th centuries. The family played significant roles in various aspects of Asante society, including politics, warfare, and trade.

During the colonial era, many Attoh-Mensah members migrated to other parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and eventually, North America. Today, the name is common in Ghanaian diaspora communities, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Notable figures with the Attoh-Mensah surname include Kofi Attah-Mensah, a prominent Ghanaian politician and diplomat, and Ato Essandoh, an American actor of Ghanaian descent. The name continues to thrive in various communities worldwide, reflecting its rich history and enduring significance among the Akan people.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

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