Souleymane Boy

Popularity: #918 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: soo-lay-MAHN /suːleɪˈmɑːn/

Origin: Arabic; African

Meaning: the one who is safe (Arabic); derived from Suleiman (African)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Souleymane is derived from the Arabic name Sulaymān (سليمان), which is the Arabic form of Solomon. The etymology can be traced back to the Hebrew name Shlomo (שְׁלֹמֹה), meaning "peace." This name has significant historical roots, as Solomon is a prominent figure in various religious texts, including the Hebrew Bible, where he is known for his wisdom and wealth, ruling as the king of Israel during the 10th century BCE.

The name Sulaymān appears in the Quran, where he is recognized as a prophet and a king, further solidifying the name's importance in Islamic tradition. The name Sulaymān has been used throughout the centuries in various cultures, particularly in the Islamic world, where it has been adopted in different forms.

In the medieval period, the name gained prominence in Arabic literature and was often associated with wisdom and justice, reflecting the qualities attributed to the biblical Solomon. The name's journey into other languages and cultures can be observed through its adaptations in various regions, including the Persian and Turkish forms, which also reflect the name's significance in Islamic history.

Culturally, Souleymane carries connotations of peace and wisdom, resonating with the attributes of its biblical counterpart. The name has been embraced in various African cultures, particularly in West Africa, where it is often associated with Islamic heritage.

The use of the name in these regions reflects a blend of local traditions and Islamic influence, showcasing its adaptability and enduring legacy. The diminutive form, Sule, is sometimes used affectionately, highlighting the name's familial and cultural ties.

Famous people named Souleymane

In this section, you will find notable people named Souleymane. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Souleymane who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Souleymane who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Souleymane Cissé is a filmmaker best known for Yeelen, Waati, and La Genèse.

Souleymane Diawara is a retired footballer best known for his time at clubs like Marseille, Nice, and Ajaccio.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Souleymane, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Souleymane was first seen in the United States in 1995.

Souleymane has ranked as high as #9230 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in New York, and Ohio.

In the past 5 years the name Souleymane has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Souleymane is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Souleymane was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Souleymane.

Year Total Births Boy
2025 20 20
2024 23 23
2023 21 21
2022 16 16
2021 13 13
2020 15 15
2019 20 20
2018 13 13
2017 17 17
2016 14 14
2015 10 10
2014 16 16
2013 12 12
2012 17 17
2011 18 18
2010 20 20
2009 20 20
2008 15 15
2007 25 25
2006 19 19
2005 11 11
2004 11 11
2003 18 18
2002 15 15
2001 12 12
2000 12 12
1999 7 7
1998 10 10
1995 7 7

Top States for Souleymane (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
NY 8
100%