Last Name Kacou

The last name "Kacou" is of African origin, specifically from the West African country of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire). It's a common surname among the Akan people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast. In the Akan language, the term "kacou" can be translated as "younger brother." The name often appears with various prefixes and suffixes depending on the specific family tradition or tribe within the Akan culture.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kacou

The meaning and origin of the last name Kacou

The surname Kacou is of African origins, particularly from West Africa, specifically the Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) and surrounding regions. It belongs to the Akan ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, who speak the Twi dialect. The name Kacou is a variant of the Twi word "Kasua," which means "born on Tuesday." As with many African names, it does not necessarily follow Western naming conventions and is often given based on the day of the week a child was born. Over time, as individuals migrated, the name Kacou spread and became part of various communities, maintaining its African roots while adapting to new cultural contexts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kacou

The surname Kacou is predominantly found in West African countries, particularly within the Ivory Coast, where it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames. It also appears with lesser frequency in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana, due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties between these regions. Additionally, a smaller number of individuals bearing the Kacou surname can be found in France and other parts of Western Europe, where the diaspora from West Africa has resulted in the dispersal of this name among their respective communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Kacou surname is centered primarily around West Africa and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kacou

The last name Kacou has several variants and spellings, reflecting its origins and the transcription rules applied across different languages and regions. Some common variations include:

1. Kakou - This spelling is more commonly found in French-speaking contexts, as it represents the phonetic pronunciation of the name in that language.
2. Kachou - This variant is also found among speakers of French, and it may represent a more formal or traditional pronunciation of the same root.
3. Katoku - In some African languages like Ivorian Dioula, this spelling represents an alternate way to write the name.
4. Kacow - A less common variation that might be found in English-speaking contexts or among those who have adopted a more Westernized transcription of their names.
5. Kasaku - Another African spelling, particularly in languages like Swahili, where "k" is often replaced with "c" or "k" when pronunciation requires the gutteral "k" sound.
6. Kashoo - A less common but valid alternative spelling that may reflect regional variations in pronunciation or transcription rules.

Famous people with the last name Kacou

Notable individuals with the last name Kacou include:

1. Gbèhounou Kacou (born 1962), a former professional soccer player from Ivory Coast who played for clubs such as ASEC Mimosas, Lens, and Bordeaux in France.

2. Henri Konan Bédié Kacou (born 1934), the second President of Côte d'Ivoire, serving from 1993 to 1999. He was the first president to be democratically elected and served a full term before being overthrown in a military coup.

3. Koffi Kacou (born 1980), an Ivorian-French basketball player who played professionally for clubs like Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez, Cholet Basket, and Rouen Basket. He also represented the Ivory Coast national team.

4. Mathurin Kacou (born 1965), an Ivorian journalist and politician who served as the Minister of Communication from October 2017 to March 2020 in the government of Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly.

These individuals have made significant contributions in the fields of sports, politics, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Kacou

The surname Kacou originates from West Africa, particularly Ivory Coast, and is common among the ethnic groups Akan and Baoule. Historically, the name can be traced back to the pre-colonial era, where it was often associated with noble or respected individuals within these communities. The name Kacou is a derivative of Kwasi, which means 'born on Wednesday' in the Akan language. In the 19th century, during the colonial period, many West Africans adopted European-style surnames, and the spelling and pronunciation of names like Kacou were adjusted to conform to Western naming conventions. Today, the Kacou family name can be found in various countries around the world, particularly in France, where a large diaspora of Ivorians resides. The modern-day Kacous are diverse in their professions and backgrounds, yet they share a common heritage that links them to their ancestral homeland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kacou"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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