A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sekou since 1970
Babies named Sekou per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2011, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sekou's real moment was 1972.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 189 |
| 1980s | 89 |
| 1990s | 162 |
| 2000s | 259 |
| 2010s | 274 |
| 2020s | 145 |
Meaning & origin
Sekou is a distinctive West African name that entered American records in 1970, reaching its peak rank of 3314 in 2025. While its early appearances were concentrated in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York, the name has been rising in usage since 1986, reflecting a broader interest in names with cultural roots. Though its precise etymology is debated, Sekou carries a strong, scholarly resonance that appeals to families looking beyond European naming traditions.
Sekou is a name of West African origin, particularly common among the Mandinka and other ethnic groups in Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. It is often associated with the Manding languages, where it may derive from words meaning 'learned' or 'scholar'. The name gained international recognition through Sekou Touré, the first president of Guinea, though usage predates him. It has been used in the United States since at least the 1970s, primarily among African American families seeking a name with African roots.
Where Sekou is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sekou” around the world
Where Sekou lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
90
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sek, Kou
Variants: Sékou, Seku
Sibling names for Sekou
Names that share Sekou's style, for a brother or sister.
