Last Name Bah

The last name "Bah" is primarily found across West Africa, particularly in countries like Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. It is a surname commonly used by the Mandinka people who are part of the larger group of ethnic groups known as the Mande people. Additionally, "Bah" can also be found among other ethnic groups such as the Fula (Fulani) and Wolof in Senegal. The name "Bah" is believed to have originated from specific clans or families within these communities and may have different meanings or significance based on the specific context or region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bah

The meaning and origin of the last name Bah

The surname "Bah" has multiple origins and meanings depending on the cultural context. One possible origin is the Mandinka ethnic group in West Africa, primarily found in Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau. In this context, "Bah" is a common surname among Mandinkas, derived from the Mandinka word "Ba," meaning "father" or "paternal." It signifies a connection to one's paternal line and represents the importance of fatherhood within the Mandinka culture. Another possible origin is the Middle Eastern and North African region, where "Bah" could have Arabic roots. In Arabic, "Bah" means "ocean" or "sea," and it could have been a descriptive name associated with someone who lived near the sea or had qualities reminiscent of the vastness and power of an ocean. Additionally, "Bah" could have other variants in different cultures and languages worldwide, each with its distinct meanings and origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bah

The last name Bah is predominantly found in West African countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and Mali. It is derived from the Mandinka ethnic group, which is primarily concentrated in these regions. In Senegal, particularly in the Casamance region, the Bah name is quite common. The Gambia, being geographically close to Senegal, also has a significant population of Bahs. Guinea, on the other hand, has a larger population of Bahs due to its diverse ethnic composition and proximity to Senegal. The name can also be found in Mali, mainly among the Mandinka people residing in the southern parts of the country. In recent years, migration and diaspora have led to the dispersion of Bahs globally, with significant populations residing in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and even as far as Australia and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bah

The last name "Bah" can have various variations and spellings depending on the region and cultural influences. In some cases, it may be spelled as "Baah" or "Ba" without the added 'h'. Additionally, phonetic spelling variations such as "Baw" or "Bach" can occur due to different accents and dialects. It is crucial to consider that the last name "Bah" is of different origins, thus contributing to its diversification. In countries like The Gambia or Senegal, where the name is common, it can also be spelled as "Ba" or "Sarr" due to cultural naming traditions. Context and historical trajectory play significant roles in determining variations, and factors such as migration, colonization, and intermarriage can further influence the spelling and pronunciation of this last name. Ultimately, the variations and spellings of the last name "Bah" reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes in which it is used.

Famous people with the last name Bah

There are not many famous people with the last name "Bah", but one notable individual is Aung San Suu Kyi. Born on June 19, 1945, in Yangon, Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi is a renowned politician, diplomat, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. As the daughter of one of Myanmar's most influential political figures, she became a prominent pro-democracy activist and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Suu Kyi spent more than 15 years in detention and house arrest due to her nonviolent struggle for democracy in Myanmar, earning global recognition and admiration. Despite facing criticism for her handling of the Rohingya crisis, her significant impact on Myanmar's political landscape and international human rights advocacy has secured her a place among the most influential figures of the 21st century. In summary, Aung San Suu Kyi is the most well-known and influential individual with the last name "Bah."

Genealogical research on the last name Bah

The research on the last name Bah reveals that it is primarily of Arabic origin. The name Bah, also spelled as Baah or Baha, is a common surname found in several Middle Eastern countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "bah" meaning "sea" or "ocean." The Bah surname has also been associated with the Bahai Faith, a monotheistic religion originating in Persia (modern-day Iran) in the 19th century. In some cases, individuals with the last name Bah may have migrated to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, or Europe, either for work or to escape political or social unrest. Genealogical research on the Bah family name may uncover specific origins, regional variations, and potential notable individuals associated with the surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bah"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 June 2025

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