Last Name Sokhna

The last name "Sokhna" is primarily of West African origin, specifically Senegal. It is a common last name among the Wolof people, who are one of the largest ethnic groups in Senegal. The name "Sokhna" is often used as a given name for girls and also adopted as a surname within the Wolof community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sokhna

The meaning and origin of the last name Sokhna

The surname Sokhna is a Senegalese name. It is a very common name among the serial community of Senegal. The word "Sokhna" is an honorary title that means "daughter of" in Wolof, a language spoken in this region of West Africa. This title is often given to women who are daughters of noble leaders and families. Thus, the family name Sokhna is an indication of the high social status of this family line. Persons bearing this name can therefore be considered to belong to the aristocracy and enjoy some prestige within their community. The family name Sokhna thus bears witness to the cultural and social heritage of the Senegalese people, in particular the Seres, and to the importance attached to kinship and nobility.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sokhna

The family name Sokhna is mainly concentrated in West Africa, particularly Senegal and Mauritania. This family name is of serial origin, a Senegalese ethnic group renowned for its culture and history. There are also sister communities in Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. The family name Sokhna is often worn by descendants of the serene nobility and is associated with prestigious and influential families. Outside West Africa, there are also a few people with the family name Sokhna, mainly among Senegalese and Mauritanian diasporas based in France, the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sokhna

The last name Sokhna is predominantly an Arabic surname, often found in Senegal, Mauritania, and other West African countries. However, it can also be found among individuals with Arabic origins in other parts of the world. Despite the relative consistency of the name, there are a few variations and spellings that can be observed. Some of these include variations such as Soukhna, Sohna, Schokhna, Sokhnah, and Soukhnah. These variations may be a result of different transliteration practices, regional dialects, or personal preferences. While the core pronunciation of the name remains similar, the spelling variations provide a glimpse into the diverse ways this surname may be written. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name Sokhna often carries cultural significance and reflects the heritage and ancestry of those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Sokhna

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any notable individuals with the last name Sokhna. It's possible that the name is relatively rare or uncommon among famous individuals. However, it's worth noting that not all famous people are widely recognized or have their biographies readily available. Additionally, there may be notable individuals with the last name Sokhna who have achieved recognition in specific fields or regions but might not be globally famous. Therefore, while there may not be any well-known personalities with the last name Sokhna at the moment, it doesn't diminish the significance or accomplishments of individuals who might be excelling in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Sokhna

Surname Sokhna is primarily found among the Serer ethnic group of Senegal. The root of this surname traces back to the traditional Serer religion and the ancient Serer kingdom. The surname Sokhna is an indication of noble or royal lineage within the Serer community. It is a hereditary title bestowed on individuals of high social status, often associated with the traditional religious leaders or chiefs. The Sokhna family members held significant influence and authority within the Serer society, acting as intermediaries between the spiritual realm and the community. With time, the surname Sokhna has spread beyond Senegal, as some Serer people migrated to other parts of West Africa and subsequently to other continents, taking their cherished family name with them. Today, individuals with the surname Sokhna can be found in various countries, contributing to the rich tapestry of Serer heritage and history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sokhna"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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