"daughter"
Origin: Mandinka
Language: Mandinka
Binta
A West African name celebrating the gift of a daughter
Gambian
Senegalese
West African
Mandinka
Earthy
Strong
Spiritual
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"girl, young woman"
Origin: West African
Language: Mandinka
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The Story of Binta
Binta is a Mandinka name from West Africa, primarily used in The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea. The name derives from the Mandinka word for daughter or girl, making it a name that literally celebrates femininity. It is one of many traditional Mandinka names that entered wider consciousness through Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots.
Binta gained broader recognition through Alex Haley's Roots, which featured a character named Binta as the mother of Kunta Kinte. The book and television miniseries brought many West African names to wider audiences worldwide.
In Mandinka culture, Binta is a name of celebration — it honors the birth of a daughter. The name is commonly used in The Gambia and Senegal where Mandinka people are prominent, and it carries connotations of pride in feminine identity.
Fun Facts
- Binta was the name of Kunta Kinte's mother in Alex Haley's Roots
- The name is among the most common girl names in The Gambia
Binta in Other Languages
Wolof
Binta
French
Binta
Mandinka
Binta
Popularity Over Time
#6,660
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Binta
B
Binta Njie
Politician
Gambian politician and women's rights advocate
B
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,660
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Gambian Senegalese West African Mandinka
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bin
Binty
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Gambian)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Binta
What does the name Binta mean?
"daughter" (from Mandinka). "girl, young woman" (from West African). Binta is a Mandinka name from West Africa, primarily used in The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea. The name derives from the Mandinka word for daughter or girl, making it a name that literally celebrates femininity. It is one of many traditional Mandinka names that entered wider consciousness through Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots.
What is the origin of the name Binta?
Binta has Mandinka, West African, Gambian, and Senegalese origins. In Mandinka, it means "daughter". In West African, it means "girl, young woman".
Is Binta a boy or girl name?
Binta is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Binta?
Binta is currently ranked #6660 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Binta?
Common nicknames for Binta include Bin and Binty.
What are good middle names for Binta?
Popular middle name pairings include Binta Marie, Binta Grace, Binta Joy, Binta Amara, Binta Kali, and Binta Rose.
What are good sibling names for Binta?
Names that pair well with Binta as siblings include Aminata, Fatou, Oumar, Samba, Mariama, and Lamin.
How many syllables does Binta have?
Binta has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Binta a common or rare name?
Binta is an uncommon name, ranked #6660 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Binta
Binta is a girl name with Gambian, Senegalese, West African, and Mandinka origins . The name means "daughter" in Mandinka .
Binta is currently ranked #6,660 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Binta has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Binta include Bin and Binty. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Binta include Bintou . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.