Last Name Sangare

The surname Sangare is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly among the Malinke and Bambara ethnic groups who inhabit present-day Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cote d'Ivoire. The name Sangare translates to "potter" or "clay worker" in some African languages, reflecting a traditional occupation within these communities. However, it's important to note that last names often have multiple possible origins, and the specific lineage for each individual bearing the name can vary greatly.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sangare

The meaning and origin of the last name Sangare

The surname Sangare is of West African origin, primarily found among the Malinke people of Guinea, Ivory Coast, and other West African countries. The name is derived from the Mande language group, specifically Mandinka or Bambara dialects. In these languages, "Sangaré" means "hunter" or "man of the hunt," reflecting a historical occupation or cultural identity associated with this surname. The Malinke people, also known as Maninka, are an important ethnic group in West Africa known for their rich cultural heritage, including the famous Mali Empire. The spread of the Sangare name is largely due to migrations and assimilation within these regions over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sangare

The last name Sangare is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in the countries of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Mali, and Burkina Faso. It also appears with lower frequency in neighboring countries like Guinea, Ghana, and Togo. The Sangare surname originates from these regions and is often associated with ethnic groups such as the Mossi, Bobo, or Gur people who reside primarily in Burkina Faso, Mali, and the northern parts of Ivory Coast. It is also worth noting that due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the Sangare surname can be found across various countries worldwide, particularly in France and other French-speaking regions, due to historical ties between West Africa and former colonial powers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sangare

The surname Sangare has various spellings and minor variations. Some common versions include: Sangaré, Sanghare, Sanghari, and Sangaara. These differences can arise due to regional dialects or transcription errors in documentation. It's essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on personal preference or geographical origin within the larger Sangare community. The name is of West African origin and is particularly common among certain ethnic groups from Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. It is a patrilineal surname, meaning it is passed down from father to son. Despite these variations, the root form remains Sangare, symbolizing shared ancestry and cultural ties among its bearers.

Famous people with the last name Sangare

Notable individuals sharing the surname Sangare include:

1. Salif Keita Sangare (b. 1945), a Malian musician known as the "Golden Voice of Africa," who is renowned for his influential work in African music, particularly in the style of Afropop. He was also the first African artist to publicly acknowledge having albinism.

2. Awa Sangaré (b. 1965), a Malian actress and director who has made significant contributions to the African film industry. She is best known for her roles in films such as "Finye" and "La Vie posthume de l'artiste Fétison."

3. Lassana Sangaré (b. 1972), a former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder for various European clubs, including PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. He represented the Mali national team throughout his career.

These individuals have made substantial contributions to their respective fields and have put Malian culture on the global map.

Genealogical research on the last name Sangare

The surname Sangare originates from West Africa, particularly from the Mali and Burkina Faso regions, where it is commonly found among the Mandé people groups, including the Bambara, Sénoufo, and Malinké ethnicities. Its literal meaning translates to "weaver" or "artisan" in several local languages. The name has been traced back to pre-colonial times, suggesting a deep historical roots within these West African societies. As with many African surnames, the Sangare lineage is often passed down patrilineally, meaning that it is typically inherited from the father to his offspring. Over time, the diaspora of the Mandé people through migration and slavery has spread the Sangare name to various parts of the world, particularly in regions with large West African communities such as France, the United States, and Canada. Today, individuals with the surname Sangare continue to maintain cultural ties to their ancestral homeland while also embracing their new global identities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sangare"
• 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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