Rising since 1992, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Mahamadou since 1992
Babies named Mahamadou per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 74 |
| 2000s | 167 |
| 2010s | 111 |
| 2020s | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Mahamadou is a distinctive West African variant of Muhammad that entered U.S. baby-naming data in 1992 and has been rising in use ever since. As of 2025, it ranks 6,143 with a frequency of 1 in 122,005, reflecting a growing but still uncommon presence. Its peak popularity occurred in 2008, and the name is most concentrated in New York. Mahamadou carries strong cultural and religious significance for Muslim families, particularly those from the Fula and Mandinka communities. Its steady upward trajectory since 1992 suggests increasing recognition beyond its traditional regions.
Mahamadou is a West African variant of Muhammad, derived from the Arabic root ḥ-m-d meaning 'to praise.' It is particularly common in Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, where it is borne by families of the Fula and Mandinka ethnic groups. The name reflects the deep influence of Islam in the region and is often given in honor of the Prophet Muhammad.
Where Mahamadou is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mahamadou” around the world
Where Mahamadou lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maha, Mamadou, Dou
Sibling names for Mahamadou
Names that share Mahamadou's style, for a brother or sister.
