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Last Name Konan

What is the origin of the last name Konan?

The surname "Konan" is of West African origin, particularly associated with the Akan people from present-day Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. In Akan culture, a family or lineage often takes a common name that reflects their tribal affiliation, occupation, or a notable event. The name "Konan" is derived from "Kona", which means "born on Monday" in the Twi dialect of the Akan language. This name might be given to someone born on the day traditionally associated with the planet Mars, symbolizing strength and courage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Konan

The meaning and origin of the last name Konan

The surname Konan is primarily of African origin, particularly from West Africa, specifically among the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast. The name derives from the Akan language and translates to "born on Tuesday" or "child born on Tuesday," as the days of the week play a significant role in naming conventions within Akan culture. In this context, Konan would refer to a child born on the day dedicated to the Akan deity Nyankopon. This name has been carried by immigrants from West Africa, notably those of Ivorian descent, to various parts of the world, including North America and Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Konan

The surname Konan is predominantly found among populations in West Africa, particularly in the countries of Ivory Coast and Guinea, where it represents a significant portion of the total population. In Ivory Coast, Konan is one of the most common last names, ranking among the top ten most frequent surnames. Additionally, the name can also be found among the diaspora communities of Ivorian and Guinean descent in France, Belgium, and other European countries. The origins of the name are believed to be from the Akan ethnic group in Ghana, where it has variations such as Konadu or Konamah. It is also associated with the Konian or Koniagui ethnic groups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Variants and spellings of the last name Konan

The surname Konan has several variations and spellings, stemming from its African origins. Some common spellings include: Konan, Konahn, Konain, Konane, Konin, Konen, and Koninan. These differences may arise due to cultural adaptations, phonetic interpretations, or transliteration from other writing systems. Additionally, it's worth noting that the name may be pronounced differently depending on the region or ethnic group. For instance, it might be pronounced as "Koh-nan" (with a short 'o' sound) in some areas and "Ko-naan" (with a long 'o' sound) in others. The root of the name is often associated with the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, where it may mean "born on Wednesday" or "king."

Famous people with the last name Konan

Notable individuals bearing the surname Konan include Kassai Konan, a prominent Ivorian footballer who played for clubs such as ASEC Mimosas and Saint-Étienne. He is also a member of the Ivory Coast national team and participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Another notable figure is Lakou Konan-Brossard, a Haitian-born American poet who gained recognition for her work "The Machete and the Pen: A Haitian Anthology." Additionally, Konan N'Glechwolo, also known as Kidjo Konan Flogne, is an Ivory Coast footballer who played for clubs like Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax Amsterdam. He represented his country in multiple FIFA World Cups and was a member of the Olympic Games team. Furthermore, Konan Milord, a native of Haiti, is a professional basketball player who has competed for teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.

Genealogical research on the last name Konan

The surname Konan is primarily associated with West Africa, particularly within the Ivory Coast and Guinea. It originates from the Akan people, a group indigenous to Ghana and the Côte d'Ivoire. In the Akan language, 'Kon' means 'royal' or 'king,' while 'An' is a suffix denoting lineage or descent. The name may have been borne by members of royal families or influential clans, reflecting their status and prestige. The Konan family tree can be traced back to various rulers, priests, and warriors in the Akan kingdoms of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire during the pre-colonial era. The lineage has spread across West Africa and beyond due to migration, assimilation, and cultural exchanges. Notable Konans include Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a former president of the Ivory Coast, and Mohamed Konan, a renowned Malian footballer.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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