Last Name Kaba

The surname Kaba is primarily of West African origin, particularly among the Mande-speaking peoples such as the Malinke and Bambara of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The name often translates to "blacksmith" or "forge" in various Mande languages. However, it's important to note that the exact origin may vary based on specific ethnic groups within this region. Additionally, surnames can have multiple meanings or origins, and the spelling of names can change over time and across geographical areas due to linguistic differences and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kaba

The meaning and origin of the last name Kaba

The surname Kaba has roots in several cultures, primarily West African and Arabic. In Western Africa, particularly among the Mande-speaking people groups like the Malinke, Bambara, and Susu, Kaba is a common surname that translates to "maker of mats" or "weaver." It is also found as a personal name in these cultures, signifying the importance of weaving skills and craftsmanship.

In Arabic, Kaba can be traced back to the Islamic holy city of Mecca, where the word refers to the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building at the Grand Mosque. Over time, it has been adopted as a surname in the Middle East and North Africa by individuals of Arab or Muslim descent. In these contexts, the name may not have a direct connection to the weaving profession. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the significance of the Kaaba in Islamic tradition.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kaba

The surname Kaba has its roots primarily in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast, reflecting the predominantly African origin of this name. Smaller populations bearing the surname Kaba can also be found in Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria. The name is most concentrated in West Africa due to historical factors such as regional migrations and tribal affiliations. Notably, the Mandinka people of West Africa are known to have the Kaba surname in significant numbers. Outside Africa, there are also communities with this surname in European countries like France, Portugal, and Spain, mainly due to migration from the former French and Portuguese colonies in Africa. Additionally, diaspora communities in North America and Europe, especially those of African descent, may bear the Kaba surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kaba

The surname Kaba has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations include Kabah, Kaaba, Cabba, Kaab, and Caba. These variations may be due to phonetic changes, transliteration from other scripts, or regional dialects. For example, the name Kaaba is most commonly associated with the holiest site in Islam, the Ka'bah, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The name can also be found among African populations, particularly those of West African descent, such as in Ghana and Mali. In some cases, the name may have been altered through migration or assimilation, leading to the aforementioned variations. Regardless of spelling, the name Kaba is a strong and significant surname with diverse origins and meanings.

Famous people with the last name Kaba

Notable individuals with the surname Kaba include:

1. Mamadou Kaba (born 1943), Guinean politician and diplomat who served as the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict from 2011 to 2015.

2. Souleymane Kaba (born 1981), a French professional basketball player who has played for several teams in France, Italy, and Spain. He won the Ligue Nationale de Basketball title with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne in 2006.

3. Tidiane Kaba (born 1984), a French professional basketball player who has played for several teams in France, Italy, and Spain. He won the EuroChallenge championship with Cajasol Sevilla in 2007-08.

4. Mamadou Kaba Sy (born 1963), a Guinean journalist, writer, and activist who co-founded the first independent newspaper in Guinea, Les Nuits, in 1990. He was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize in 1998.

5. Al-Hajj Dr. Sekou Kaba (1936–2014), a prominent Guinean journalist, politician, and former Minister of Information during Guinea's independence. He was also the President of the Union of Journalists of Guinea.

Genealogical research on the last name Kaba

The surname Kaba originates from West Africa, particularly among the Mandé and Mande-speaking people, who inhabit areas such as Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The name is believed to be derived from the Mandinka word "Kabá," meaning "hunter." Over time, the Kaba family has dispersed across West Africa and other regions due to various historical factors, including the Transatlantic slave trade, imperial expansion, and internal migrations. Notable bearers of the surname include Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d'Ivoire, and Mamadou Kaba, a prominent Senegalese lawyer and politician. Today, Kaba is a common name in West Africa, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kaba"
• 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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