Salif

Salif is a masculine given name used in several cultures, with particular prevalence in West Africa and among Muslim communities. The name appears across different languages and may be rendered in several spellings depending on locale. Etymology and meaning vary by tradition and language, and there is no single universal origin attributed to all uses of the name.

In West African countries such as Mali and Senegal, Salif has been adopted as part of local naming practices influenced by Arabic and broader Islamic naming conventions. The name is also found in North Africa and in diasporic communities.

The most widely known bearer of the name is Salif Keita (born 1949), a Malian singer who helped popularize Malian music internationally and earned acclaim for blending traditional sounds with contemporary styles. Other individuals named Salif have been active in politics, sports, and the arts, reflecting the name's broad cross-cultural use.

As a given name, Salif is primarily used for males and is rarely encountered as a surname. The name appears in literature, film, and media in various contexts, often as a personal identifier without broader thematic associations.