Last Name Kamara

The last name Kamara is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people of West Africa. It is a common last name in countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. The name may have variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region and dialect.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kamara

The surname Kamara is of West African origin, predominantly found in countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Mali. It is derived from the Mandinka word "kamareh" which means "lion." The name Kamara is a patronymic or occupational surname, likely given to someone who displayed characteristics associated with a lion, such as bravery, strength, or leadership. It is a popular name among the Mandinka ethnic group, as well as other ethnic groups in the region. The surname Kamara may also have been adopted by descendants of freed slaves who were given this surname upon their emancipation. Today, individuals with the surname Kamara can be found all over the world due to migration and displacement from West Africa to other regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kamara

The last name Kamara is primarily found in West African countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, where it is a common surname among the Mandinka and Temne ethnic groups. It is also prevalent in countries with large West African diaspora populations, such as the United States, especially in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Kamara can be found in significant numbers in European countries with historical ties to West Africa, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium. The name may also be present in other parts of the world due to migration and globalization trends. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kamara reflects the historical and contemporary movements of West African people and their descendants across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kamara

The last name Kamara can be spelled in various ways and have different variations. Some common variations include Camara, Kamarra, Kamra, Kammar, and Kamera. These variations can be a result of different dialects, accents, or transcription errors when recording the name. Additionally, the name Kamara may also be spelled with a different letter or sound depending on the language or region. In some cases, the last name may have different prefixes or suffixes added to it, such as Al-Kamara or Kamara-son. Despite the variations in spelling, the pronunciation of the name Kamara remains relatively consistent across different dialects and regions.

Famous people with the last name Kamara

Alie Kamara is a Sierra Leonean footballer who has played for AS Gabès in Tunisia and FC Kallon in Sierra Leone. Kei Kamara is a Sierra Leonean professional soccer player who has had a successful career in Major League Soccer, playing for teams such as Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew SC, and the New England Revolution. Moustapha Kamara is a Sierra Leonean politician and lawyer who served as the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Sadio Kamara is a Guinean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for VfB Oldenburg in Germany. These individuals with the last name Kamara have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have become well-known figures in the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Kamara

The surname Kamara is of West African origin, particularly found in the countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Mali. It is believed to be a prominent surname among the Mandinka and Susu ethnic groups. The name Kamara is thought to derive from the Mandinka word "kamare" which means teacher or wise man. It is likely that the surname was originally bestowed upon individuals who held positions of leadership, wisdom, or knowledge within their communities. Over time, the name Kamara has spread to other parts of the world, particularly through the diaspora of West African populations. Genealogical research on the surname Kamara may reveal a rich history of cultural traditions, familial connections, and a legacy of leadership within the West African community.

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