"daughter"
Origin: Mandinka
Language: Mandinka
Bintou
Does Bintou flow with your last name?
A Mandinka name celebrating a cherished daughter
Guinean
Senegalese
Malian
West African
Earthy
Traditional
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"girl, young woman"
Origin: West African
Language: English
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The Story of Bintou
Bintou comes from the Mandinka word 'binta' meaning daughter. It is a cherished name throughout West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Senegal, Mali, and the Gambia, where Mandinka is spoken. The name beautifully captures the joy and blessing a daughter brings to a family.
Bintou remains a classic name in Mandinka-speaking communities and has gained wider attention through West African literature and diaspora communities in France and the United States. It became known internationally through Véronique Tadjo's novel featuring a character named Bintou.
In Mandinka culture, naming ceremonies called 'Koriteh' are significant events where names are bestowed with deep meaning. Bintou, meaning daughter, is a name that celebrates the birth of a girl as a gift to the family and community.
Historical Record
Bintou first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 577 babies have been named Bintou in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bintou is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,280 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Bintou means 'daughter' in Mandinka, one of West Africa's major languages
- The name is especially common in Guinea, where Mandinka is a significant cultural language
- Bintou is a popular name in French-African literature and theatre
Bintou in Other Languages
Arabic
بنتو
French
Bintou
English
Bintou
Mandinka
Bintou
Popularity Over Time
#4,280
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bintou
B
Bintou Dembele
Artist
1975
French-Guinean choreographer and artistic director known for innovative hip-hop dance theatre
B
Bintou Fictional
Other
Title character of Koffi Kwahulé's acclaimed francophone play exploring youth and identity in urban Africa
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Compare Bintou with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,280
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Guinean Senegalese Malian West African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Binta
Bintu
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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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, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bintou
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bintou
What does the name Bintou mean?
"daughter" (from Mandinka). "girl, young woman" (from West African). Bintou comes from the Mandinka word 'binta' meaning daughter. It is a cherished name throughout West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Senegal, Mali, and the Gambia, where Mandinka is spoken. The name beautifully captures the joy and blessing a daughter brings to a family.
What is the origin of the name Bintou?
Bintou has Mandinka, West African, Guinean, Senegalese, and Malian origins. In Mandinka, it means "daughter". In West African, it means "girl, young woman".
Is Bintou a boy or girl name?
Bintou is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Bintou?
Bintou is currently ranked #4280 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bintou?
Common nicknames for Bintou include Binta and Bintu.
What are good middle names for Bintou?
Popular middle name pairings include Bintou Aminata, Bintou Fatoumata, Bintou Mariama, Bintou Kadiatou, Bintou Aissatou, and Bintou Oumou.
What are good sibling names for Bintou?
Names that pair well with Bintou as siblings include Mariama, Fatoumata, Ibrahima, Mamadou, Kadiatou, and Moussa.
How many syllables does Bintou have?
Bintou has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bintou a common or rare name?
Bintou is an uncommon name, ranked #4280 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Bintou
Bintou is a girl name with Guinean, Senegalese, Malian, and West African origins . The name means "daughter" in Mandinka .
Bintou is currently ranked #4,280 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Bintou has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bintou include Binta and Bintu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis