The Christening

Djata

Djata (pronounced DJA-ta) is a boy name of Maninka origin, used in Mali, Guinea. It means “Lion.”

Origin
Maninka
Region
Mali, Guinea
Gender
Boy
Variants
Jata
Force & courage Nature & éléments

More Maninka names

  • Samory — Samori Touré, founder of the Wassoulou empire, who resisted colonial conquest
  • Sogolon — Mother of Sundiata Keita in the Mande epic
  • Soundiata — Founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century; “the lion of Sogolon”

More names that mean “Force & courage”

  • Aksel — 7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard
  • Amayas — Cheetah
  • Andry — Pillar
  • Awet — Victory
  • Béhanzin — The last great king of Abomey, who resisted colonial conquest (“the shark king”)
  • Coumba — She who carries strength
  • Dihya — Amazigh warrior queen of the Aurès, 7th century
  • Diogoye — Lion
  • Haben — Pride
  • Hery — Strength

“Djata” comes from Maninka culture (Mali, Guinea). Every African country has its own tale in 54 Tales of Africa, our illustrated collection.

Discover the tale from Mali