Sundiata
A boy's name of African origin with 120 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Sundiata is a three-syllable boy's name with a open, warm sound — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. With only 120 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Sundiata is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Sundiata is a boy's baby name of African origin, from the Mande people of West Africa, meaning 'lion prince' or 'hungry lion,' from Sogolon Jata. Sundiata Keita was the founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century — one of history's greatest rulers — making this a name of extraordinary historical and cultural power.
EtymologyShow more
Sundiata is cataloged under the African naming tradition. African naming traditions are extraordinarily diverse, often tying a child’s name to circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or spiritual significance.
In the U.S., Sundiata has been recorded as a boy's name since 1971, with 120 total births. Browse the African names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sundiata has 18+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1971.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 11 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 42 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 7 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 48 | — |
The Story of Sundiata
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1971, Sundiata is a Gen X staple. Boys named Sundiata are most likely born between 1971 and 1981.
How rare is Sundiata?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sundiata is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1971, peaked in the 1970s with 48 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Sundiata by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(18 years, 1971–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | #11948 |
| 2017 | 5 | #13992 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11953 |
| 2009 | 5 | #14221 |
| 2007 | 5 | #14124 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13755 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8982 |
| 2002 | 5 | #12254 |
| 2001 | 7 | #9109 |
| 2000 | 7 | #9000 |
| 1996 | 6 | #8870 |
| 1982 | 7 | #5548 |
| 1978 | 6 | #5677 |
| 1977 | 7 | #5057 |
| 1975 | 9 | #3913 |
| 1974 | 5 | #5909 |
| 1972 | 5 | #5652 |
| 1971 | 16 | #2455 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sundiata a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sundiata most popular?
How popular is the name Sundiata?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1971–2021