Dawda

the one who is born
Mandinka origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1671US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Dawda mean and where does it come from?

Dawda is derived from the Mandinka name 'Dawda', which is a variant of 'Dauda', itself a form of 'David'.

Cultural significance
In West African cultures, particularly among the Mandinka, Dawda is a common name reflecting cultural and religious significance. It is often associated with respect and heritage.
Peak popularity
Reached #1671 in 2015 — currently #1671 in the US.
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Related Reading
Mandinka-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Dawda?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Dawda?

Dawda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dawda Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawda John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawda Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dawda Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawda Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawda Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Dawda
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How popular is Dawda right now?

Holding steady — currently #1671 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1671 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#167110stable
2022#167110stable
2021#167110stable
2020#167110stable
2019#167110
💎Dawda is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Dawda?

Common
DawDa

Famous people named Dawda

DK
Dawda Kairaba Jawara
The first President of The Gambia, serving from 1970 to 1994.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Dawda

What does the name Dawda mean?
Dawda means "the one who is born" — a name rooted in Mandinka tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dawda?
Dawda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dawda?
Dawda originates from Mandinka tradition. Mandinka names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Dawda a common or rare name?
Dawda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Dawda more of a girl or boy name?
Dawda is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.