Mame

unisexWolof (Senegal)

Mame is a Muslim unisex name meaning “Grandparent, honoured ancestor”.

MeaningGrandparent, honoured ancestor
GenderUnisex
OriginWolof (Senegal)
PronunciationMAHM
Muslim name?Used by Muslims

Meaning and origin of Mame

Mame is a Wolof word for a grandparent or revered ancestor, used as a title of honour before a name. It is given to children named after a grandparent or a saint, as in Mame Diarra (for girls, after the mother of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba) or Mame Cheikh (for boys). It is a native Wolof word, not Arabic.

Is Mame a Muslim name?

Yes, in practice. Mame is a Wolof title of honour rather than an Arabic name, and is widely used by Muslim families in Senegal alongside an Islamic name.

Where is the name Mame used?

Very common in Senegal, for both girls and boys.

Gifts with the name Mame

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Spellings and variants of Mame

Maam

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More unisex names like Mame

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Mame mean?

Mame means 'Grandparent, honoured ancestor'. It comes from Wolof (Senegal).

Is Mame a Muslim name?

Yes, in practice. Mame is a Wolof title of honour rather than an Arabic name, and is widely used by Muslim families in Senegal alongside an Islamic name.

How do you pronounce Mame?

Mame is pronounced MAHM.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.