Niane

Niane is a surname of West African origin, associated with Mandé-speaking communities in Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and The Gambia. The name is often tied to lineage or clan affiliation within traditional Mandé social structures and is one of several family names that appear in ethnographic and genealogical records of the Sahel region. Spelling and transcription vary, reflecting differences in local languages and colonial-era administrative practices.

In West Africa and among the diaspora, Niane is encountered in both rural and urban contexts. The name is carried by families who have migrated within and beyond the Sahel, adapting to new administrative systems while preserving naming heritage. Scholarly and historical texts that focus on Mandé history and regional ethnography frequently include Niane as part of discussions on lineage, social organization, and community identity.

As with many West African surnames, Niane embodies a broader pattern of multilingual naming influenced by migration, cultural exchange, and colonial history. Today the name continues to be found among individuals contributing to diverse areas of public life, including education, culture, and professional spheres, reflecting the enduring presence of Mandé-derived family names in contemporary society.