Ouattara
- Gender
- Boy
- Origin
- 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
- Religion
- Islam
- First Seen
- 18th century
- Trait
- Timeliness
Meaning & Etymology
born at the right time
Ouattara is a name that reflects the Dioula belief in the importance of timing and destiny. It is given to boys who are believed to have been born at a fortunate time.
Cultural Context
born at the right time
Etymology
The name ‘Ouattara’ is derived from the Dioula language and is composed of two elements: ‘Ouatt’ (a common Dioula surname prefix) and ‘ara’ (meaning ‘time’ or ‘moment’).
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Mande > Western Mande > Manding-Jogo > Manding
Cultural context
In Burkina Faso, particularly among the Dioula people, the name ‘Ouattara’ is associated with the concept of auspicious timing and is often given to children born during significant or favorable periods.
Symbolism
The name symbolizes the importance of timing and the belief that the birth of a child is a momentous occasion that aligns with a favorable period.