Last Name Birane

The surname Birane is primarily associated with West Africa, particularly Guinea and Senegal. It is derived from a Wolof word "Biran," meaning "village" or "town." This surname might have been originally given to someone who originated from a specific village or was born in a town setting. However, it's essential to note that surnames can sometimes undergo changes during migrations and naturalization processes, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Birane

The meaning and origin of the last name Birane

The surname Birane is of French origin, derived from various places named Biran in France. The earliest records of this name can be traced back to Normandy, where several towns bearing the name Biran are located. It's believed that the name may have originated from the Old Celtic term "bir", meaning birch tree, and the Gallo-Roman suffix "-anum", indicating a settlement or estate. The Birane family would have originally lived near a birch tree grove or an area that was part of an estate named after this tree. Over time, the name migrated with French settlers and is now found in various parts of the world as a result of historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Birane

The surname Birane is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in Guinea and Senegal. It originates from the Wolof ethnic group in Senegal, where it is one of the most common surnames. However, the distribution also extends to other parts of West Africa due to migration and diaspora. In Guinea, it is concentrated in the regions of Kindia, Conakry, and Labé, which have historical connections with Senegal. Additionally, there are significant communities of Birane family descendants in France and other Western countries, owing to emigration from former French colonies. The geographical distribution of this name reflects its deep roots within the Wolof community and the larger West African diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Birane

The surname Birane has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Beran, Berané, Béran, Biran, Biranne, and Byrane. These variations can occur in different languages and regions, with slight changes in pronunciation and orthography reflecting cultural influences or individual preferences. It is also important to note that some individuals may have slight variations in spelling based on personal preference or historical context. In summary, the last name Birane has numerous spellings, including Beran, Berané, Béran, Biran, Biranne, and Byrane, with slight differences reflecting cultural influences, language changes, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Birane

Prominent individuals sharing the surname Birane include:

1. Bouna Coulibaly Birane, a professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for the Senegalese club AS Douanes and formerly played for several other teams, including Paris Saint-Germain, Lens, and Rennes in France.

2. Awa Marie Coll Seck Birane, a Guinean lawyer, politician, and former First Lady of Guinea (2010–2015), serving as the Minister of State, Minister for Women, Family, and Child Promotion during her husband's presidency.

3. Fatoumata Birane, a Senegalese academic and political activist who is a professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and co-founder of the political party Initiative Sénégalais pour la Démocratie et l'Innovation (ISDI).

4. Moussa Birane, a French writer, journalist, and filmmaker who has written several books about his experiences as an immigrant in France and has collaborated on films such as "Diamonds of the Night" and "The Nine Muses."

These individuals have contributed to various fields including sports, politics, academia, and literature. Their accomplishments reflect their dedication and hard work in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Birane

The surname Birane is believed to have originated from various regions due to its multiple possible origins. One theory suggests it may be of French origin, derived from the Old French "biren" or "berin," meaning "bear." However, another theory proposes a possible Arabic origin, as "Biran" is an Arabic name that could have been assimilated into European surnames during the Crusades. The name may also be of Occitan descent, derived from the word "bira," meaning "beer." Notable individuals with the last name Birane include Cheikh Anta Diop, a Senegalese historian and polymath, and Mame Biram Dior Fall, a Senegalese politician. The global distribution of the surname is predominantly in West Africa, particularly in Senegal, due to immigration patterns from France and the spread of Islam.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "birane"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends