Diop

Diop is a West African surname common among Wolof and Serer communities, particularly in Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. It is widely found in the Senegalese diaspora across Europe and the Americas. The exact origin and meaning of the name are not definitively established; it is generally regarded as a traditional family name passed down through generations and used by numerous lineages within the Wolof and Serer cultural sphere.

In terms of cultural significance, Diop is one of the most recognizable Senegalese surnames and appears across various walks of life. The name is associated with a broad range of individuals, including scholars, politicians, and athletes, reflecting its widespread distribution in West Africa.

Notable individuals with the surname include Cheikh Anta Diop (1923–1986), a prominent Senegalese historian, anthropologist, and physicist who argued for the African origin of ancient civilizations. His work helped place African history within a broader global context and sparked ongoing discussions about Africa’s contributions to world civilization. Beyond Cheikh Anta Diop, the surname is borne by many other professionals around the region and in the diaspora, illustrating the commonness and regional roots of the name.