Last Name Keita

The surname Keita is primarily associated with West Africa, particularly the Mandinka ethnic group in Mali and Guinea. The name Keita is a hereditary title meaning "descendant" or "offspring" in the Mandinka language. Historically, it was used as a ruling dynasty title for the Mali Empire's kings, known as Mansa, as well as other West African kingdoms such as the Kingdom of Kankan and the Kingdom of Segou. The surname spread throughout West Africa due to the region's history of slave trade. Many Mandinka and other West Africans were enslaved and forcibly relocated, carrying their names with them. Today, Keita is a common name among people of African descent not only in West Africa but also in diaspora communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keita

The meaning and origin of the last name Keita

The surname Keita is predominantly associated with West African cultures, particularly among the Mandé people from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and other neighboring countries. Its meaning can be translated as "founder" or "originater" in several Mandé languages such as Bambara and Maninka. The name is often traced back to the historical figure of Sundiata Keita, who founded the Mali Empire in the 13th century. The surname has since become a common last name among descendants of the Mali Empire, and it's also found among other African ethnic groups that have been influenced by the Mandé culture. Over time, variations of this name such as Kéita, Keïta, Kaye, Cissé, Sissoko, and Sangaré may have emerged due to phonetic adaptations during migration and assimilation processes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keita

The surname Keita is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly within the countries of Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. It is a common last name among the Mandinka people, who have historical roots in the region. In Mali, the surname Keita is the second most common, following the surname Diabaté. In Guinea, it ranks as the third most common surname. Additionally, significant populations bearing the Keita surname can be found in neighboring countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast, indicating its historical spread throughout West Africa. The name's prevalence is a testament to the Mandinka people's rich history and cultural influence within the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keita

The surname Keita is commonly found among people from West Africa, particularly within the Malinké ethnic group in Guinea. There are several variants and spellings of this name due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some variations include Kayata, Kaita, Kaïta, Kaye, Kai, Kaye-Koroma, Keita-Diabate, and Keeya. In some cases, it can also be spelled as Kayte or Kaytah. These variations may arise from factors such as differences in the language used to write African names, the individual's personal preference, or historical changes in orthography. It is important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the specific regional dialect and cultural context in which it is used.

Famous people with the last name Keita

Notable individuals sharing the surname Keita include:

1. Amadou Hampâté Bongo (1934-2009), President of Gabon from 1967 to 2009, and also a musician and poet.

2. Seydou Toure Keita (born 1985), a professional footballer who has played for clubs like Manchester City, Ajax, and FC Barcelona, and the Mali national team.

3. Idrissa Ouedraogo Keita (born 1954), a Burkinabe filmmaker known for his African films like "Yam Daabo" and "Tilaï."

4. Alpha Konare Keita (1928-2017), a Malian politician who served as the President of Mali from 1992 to 2002, and the Secretary General of La Francophonie from 2002 to 2009.

5. Mamadou Konate Keita (born 1946), a Guinean politician who served as Prime Minister of Guinea from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2004 to 2007.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, such as politics, football, and filmmaking.

Genealogical research on the last name Keita

The Keita lineage originates from West Africa, specifically the Mandinka ethnic group in the Mali Empire, dating back to the 13th century. Sundiata Keita is recognized as the founder of the Mali Empire and the progenitor of the Keita dynasty. His son, Sakura Keita, became the first emperor of Mali, establishing a tradition of powerful rulers that continued for centuries. The name Keita is often translated as "founder" or "originator," reflecting the lineage's significant historical role. Notable descendants include Mansa Musa, the famous 14th-century emperor known for his wealth and grand pilgrimage to Mecca. While many family branches have since migrated across West Africa, the Keita name remains a symbol of the Mandinka people's rich history and cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keita"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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