Bubacar

Bubacar is a masculine given name commonly used in West Africa. It is a variant spelling of Boubacar, which itself derives from the Arabic name Abu Bakr, meaning “father of the young camel.” The name is historically linked to Islamic culture and has spread across many West African communities.

The name is especially common among Muslim populations in countries such as Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as in surrounding regions. Spelling variants include Boubacar, Bubacar, and Boubakar, reflecting diverse transliterations from Arabic and local languages. In everyday usage, shorter forms or nicknames like Bouba may be used informally.

Notable people with the name or its variants include Boubacar Traoré, a Malian guitarist and singer known for his contributions to desert blues, and Boubacar Boris Diop, a Senegalese writer and journalist recognized for his literary work and commentary. The name occurs across fields in West Africa, including music, literature, and sports, illustrating its broad cultural presence in the region.