NomOrigine Background

Last Name Momo

What is the origin of the last name Momo?

The surname "Momo" has various origins depending on the region and ethnicity. 1. In Western Africa, particularly Ghana and Ivory Coast, the name Momo is a given name meaning "peaceful". It can also be a surname in these regions. 2. In Japan, Momo is a common given name that means "peach", and it can also be used as a surname. 3. In some Spanish-speaking countries, Momo might be a diminutive form of the given name Maria del Carmen (Mari Carmen). 4. The name Momo is also found among certain African diaspora communities in the Americas, particularly in Brazil and Cuba, where it may have been brought by enslaved Africans.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Momo

The meaning and origin of the last name Momo

The surname Momo is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly among the Akan people in Ghana and the Fante tribe. The name is derived from the Twi language, where 'Momoh' means 'thoughtful' or 'wise.' Over time, it has been anglicized to Momo in some regions. It can also be found as a given name in various cultures. The name's symbolic meaning highlights its original bearers' admirable traits of wisdom and carefulness, making it a proud heritage for those who carry it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Momo

The surname Momo is predominantly found in West African countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Cote d'Ivoire, which are part of the Sahel region. It is also present in significant numbers in Ghana and Nigeria. The distribution of this last name reflects the historical migration patterns of people from these areas, including the trans-Saharan trade routes and the Atlantic slave trade. Additionally, smaller populations bearing the surname Momo can be found in other parts of Africa, as well as in France and some English-speaking countries due to immigration. The name Momo is less common but may appear elsewhere due to cultural or personal reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Momo

The surname Momo is of African origin, particularly from Ghana, and it holds several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription. Some common variations of this name include: Momoh, Mamoah, Mamoa, Mammie, Mami, Maama, Mayoma, and many more. These versions may differ slightly depending on regional dialects or personal preference. Additionally, it is important to note that the spelling can sometimes be influenced by languages other than English, such as Arabic or French, which use different alphabets. For example, in Arabic script, Momo might be written as مومو (Momō). Regardless of the specific spelling, all forms are derived from the original Ghanaian surname Momo.

Famous people with the last name Momo

The Momo surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist who is renowned for her immersive installations and infinity net paintings. She has had significant international recognition since the late 1950s and continues to influence contemporary art today. Another well-known figure with the Momo surname is Momo Yaoyorozu, a fictional character from the popular manga and anime series "My Hero Academia". As a member of U.A. High School's Class 1-A, she possesses the Quirk of creation, making her one of the most powerful characters in the series. Lastly, Momo Adoum, a Sudanese activist, gained attention for her humanitarian efforts, particularly advocating for peace and women's rights in Sudan during the Darfur conflict. Her work has been recognized by numerous international organizations. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and global reach of the Momo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Momo

The Momo surname has roots in various regions worldwide, with significant populations in Japan, Africa, and Europe. In Japan, Momo originates from the word for peach, reflecting its association with this fruit or a family who lived near a peach tree. In West Africa, particularly Cameroon, it is of Bantu origin and can mean "king" or "leader." In European countries like Italy and Portugal, the name may have originated from nicknames derived from various sources, such as physical characteristics, occupations, or personal traits. The most notable historical figure with the Momo surname is Prince Momoh Kebba Sankung, a prominent African politician and diplomat from Gambia. Genealogical research on this name can uncover diverse family histories across continents, offering insights into different cultures and societies.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Momaa (Last name)

surnames > momaa

The surname "Momaa" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "moma," which means "bark" or "straw" in the Finnish language. It is likely an occupational surname for someon...

Momad (Last name)

surnames > momad

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any specific information regarding the origin of the last name "Momad." It is possible that it may be a rare or uncommon last name with limited histo...

Momade (Last name)

surnames > momade

The last name "Momade" is of African origin, specifically from Mozambique. It is a common surname among the Makhuwa people in the northern region of the country.

Momain (Last name)

surnames > momain

The last name Momain is of French origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Moule, which is derived from the Old French word "mol," meaning soft or tender. The name may...

Momaiz (Last name)

surnames > momaiz

The last name "Momaiz" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the personal name "Momoz", which is a variant of "Munio" or "Muño". This surname is of patronymic origin, meaning i...

Momamed (Last name)

surnames > momamed

The last name "Momamed" is of Arabic origin, derived from the personal name "Muhammad", which means "praiseworthy" in Arabic. The name is commonly used as a given name in the Islam...

Momani alami (Last name)

surnames > momani-alami

The last name "Momani Alami" is of Arabic origin. "Momani" likely comes from the Arabic word "Moman" which means believer. "Alami" means knowledgeable or learned in Arabic.

Momant (Last name)

surnames > momant

The last name Momant is of French origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Moment, which is derived from the Old French word "moment," meaning "moment" or "instant." T...

Momayazah (Last name)

surnames > momayazah

The last name Momayazah is of Arabic origin.

Mombai (Last name)

surnames > mombai

The last name "Mombai" is of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili word for "city," which is "mji." Swahili is a Bantu language spoken in East Africa, particularly in coun...

Mombarak (Last name)

surnames > mombarak

The last name Mombarak is of Arabic origin, derived from the given name Mubārak, which means "blessed" or "fortunate". It is commonly found in regions with a significant Arabic-sp...

Momberg (Last name)

surnames > momberg

The surname Momberg is of German origin. It is a toponymic name derived from the village of Momberg in Hesse, Germany. Toponymic surnames are based on the location of the bearer's ...

Momeenkhan (Last name)

surnames > momeenkhan

The last name "Momeen Khan" originates from South Asia, particularly Pakistan and India. It is a combination of the Persian word "Momeen" meaning faithful or believer, and the titl...

Momen hussein (Last name)

surnames > momen-hussein

The last name "Momen Hussein" is of Arabic origin. "Momen" means faithful or believer in Arabic, while "Hussein" is a common Arabic name, often associated with the Islamic prophet ...

Momen khan (Last name)

surnames > momen-khan

The last name "Momen Khan" likely originated in Iran or Afghanistan. "Momen" is a common Persian surname meaning "faithful" or "believer," and "Khan" is a title of nobility or hono...