Aissatou

Meaning & origin

Aissatou is a name of West African origin, common among Fula and Wolof speakers and a regional variant of the widely known Arabic name Aisha. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1992 and has been rising in use since 1993, reaching its peak rank in 2023. As of 2025, it ranks #3577, with approximately 1 in 38,268 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is most frequently given in New York and Ohio, reflecting communities with ties to West African nations like Senegal. Aissatou fits into a broader trend of African diaspora names gaining visibility in the United States, alongside similar names like Fatoumata and Mariama. Its rising trajectory suggests continued gradual growth, though it remains uncommon enough to stand out. The name carries cultural significance and a connection to the Islamic heritage of the Arabic Aisha, yet it is distinctively regional in its spelling and pronunciation.

Aissatou is a common female name in West Africa, particularly among the Fula and Wolof peoples. It is a regional variant of Aisha, the name of the Prophet Muhammad's favorite wife, and carries the same meaning of 'alive' or 'living'. The name has been recorded in the United States since 1992, reflecting immigration from West African countries such as Senegal and Mauritania.