What is the origin of the last name Coulibaly?

The last name Coulibaly is of West African origin, specifically originating from the Bambara ethnic group in Mali. It is a common name in Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries. The name is believed to have originated from the Bambara word "kuli bali" which means "bring forth a child." It is a popular surname among the Bambara people and may have variations in spelling depending on the region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coulibaly

The meaning and origin of the last name Coulibaly

The surname Coulibaly is of West African origin, specifically from the Malinke and Bambara ethnic groups in Mali. It is a common surname among the Mandinka people in Mali, as well as in neighboring countries such as Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The name Coulibaly is believed to have originated from the Mandinka word "kuli", meaning "to unite" or "to bring together", reflecting the importance of unity and community within the culture. The surname is often passed down patrilineally, with descendants bearing the name as a symbol of their familial and cultural heritage. Today, the surname Coulibaly can be found in various parts of the world as a result of migration and globalization, but its roots remain deeply tied to the Mandinka people and their traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coulibaly

The last name Coulibaly is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. It is a common surname among the Malinke and Bambara ethnic groups in these regions. The name is also prevalent in France, due to the historical ties between France and its former African colonies, where many immigrants from West Africa have settled. In recent years, there has been a growing diaspora of individuals with the last name Coulibaly in other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Coulibaly reflects the migration patterns of West African populations and the impacts of colonialism and globalization on the movement of people across borders.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coulibaly

The last name Coulibaly has several variations and spellings, depending on regional dialects and countries. Some common variations include Kulibali, Kuli-Bally, Kulubali, and Couliballi. In some cases, the surname may also be spelled as Koulibaly or Kulebalé. These variations are often found in Western and Central African countries such as Mali, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, where the name is common. The diversity of spellings and variations of the surname Coulibaly can be attributed to differences in pronunciation among various ethnic groups and languages in the region. Despite the different spellings, the name Coulibaly typically carries the same meaning and significance, symbolizing the family or lineage that bears it.

Famous people with the last name Coulibaly

One famous individual with the last name Coulibaly is Amadou Hampa Coulibaly, a Malian politician known for his involvement in the fight for democracy in his country. Coulibaly served as Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs in Mali and has been a key figure in advocating for peace and stability in the region. Another well-known figure with the last name Coulibaly is Alassane Coulibaly, a professional footballer who has played for various clubs in Europe and the Ivory Coast national team. Alassane Coulibaly is highly regarded for his skill on the field and has gained recognition for his contributions to the sport. These individuals with the last name Coulibaly have made significant impacts in their respective fields and continue to be admired for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Coulibaly

The last name Coulibaly is of West African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people of Mali and Senegal. It is a common surname in the region and is believed to have originated from the Mandinka word "Kuli", which means "black" or "dark". The Coulibaly family is known for their strong sense of community and loyalty to their ancestral traditions. Genealogical research on the Coulibaly family may reveal a lineage dating back several generations, with connections to notable figures in Mandinka history. The surname is often passed down patrilineally, with each successive generation carrying on the proud legacy of the Coulibaly name. Through further research, one may uncover specific lineages, migrations, and familial connections that have shaped the history and identity of the Coulibaly family over the years.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names