Jah

Meaning & Etymology

God

God

Etymology

The name ‘Jah’ is derived from the Arabic ‘Allah’ (God) as adapted into the Mandinka language.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Mande > Western Mande > Manding

Cultural context

In Mandinka culture, ‘Jah’ reflects the strong influence of Islam and is used as a respectful reference to the divine.

Symbolism

The name symbolises the connection to the divine and the Islamic faith within the Mandinka community.

Religious reference

The name is often associated with the Islamic concept of God (Allah) in the Mandinka context

Related names

• Allah
• Yahweh