Keita
The origin of the surname Keita
Keita is a royal clan name of the Mandinka people of West Africa, borne by the rulers of the Mali Empire.
How African surnames work
“African” covers a vast range of naming traditions rather than one system. Across sub-Saharan cultures — Yoruba, Igbo, Akan, Zulu, Amharic and many more — surnames and given names are frequently meaningful words in the local language, referring to circumstances of birth, the day of the week, praise of God, lineage or a family's history. Colonial contact also left European surnames in many regions, so an African family name may reflect indigenous heritage, faith or history.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Keita mean?
The surname Keita means A Mandinka royal clan name. Keita is a royal clan name of the Mandinka people of West Africa, borne by the rulers of the Mali Empire.
Where does the surname Keita come from?
Keita is a surname of African origin.
What kind of surname is Keita?
Keita is a other surname.
How common is the surname Keita in the United States?
Keita ranks #32,267 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 673 people.