Ndeye is a female given name of Senegalese origin, derived from the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and The Gambia. It is the most common name for women in Senegal, with variations such as N'Deigue or Ndèye.
The name Ndeye has no direct translation into English, but it holds significant meaning within its cultural context. In Wolof culture, names often have symbolic meanings related to nature, philosophy, or social status. While the precise interpretation of Ndeye may vary depending on individual family traditions and beliefs, it is generally associated with concepts such as beauty, grace, wisdom, or virtue.
The name Ndeye has a rich history in Senegalese society. It was traditionally given to girls born after an older sibling had died, as a way to bring good fortune and ensure the survival of future children. This practice reflects the deep cultural significance attributed to naming rituals among Wolof people. Over time, however, the name Ndeye has become more widespread and is now one of the most popular choices for baby girls in Senegal.
In contemporary times, Ndeye continues to be an essential part of Senegalese identity and heritage. It remains a common name among Senegalese communities both domestically and abroad, serving as a connection to cultural roots and traditions. Although its meaning may vary slightly from family to family or generation to generation, the name Ndeye remains deeply rooted in Wolof culture and history.
The name Ndeye has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. With only five births recorded in 1993, it started with a low frequency, but it began to gain traction by the late 1990s.
Between 1996 and 2004, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Ndeye, with peaks of 28 births in 2001 and 31 births in 2003. This period marked the name's peak popularity, indicating that it might have been introduced or gained traction within certain communities during this time.
However, from 2005 onwards, the number of babies named Ndeye started to decline gradually. Although there were still years with a reasonable number of births, such as 27 in 2005 and 2006, and 17 in 2013, the overall trend showed a decrease in popularity.
In recent years, from 2019 to 2023, there has been a slight resurgence in the number of births with the name Ndeye, with peaks of 20 births in 2023. This could indicate a renewed interest in the name or perhaps a reflection of immigration patterns and cultural influences.
Overall, over these three decades (1993-2023), there have been a total of 475 births recorded for the name Ndeye in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, this number demonstrates that the name has maintained a consistent presence within American naming trends during this period.