bulama

Bulama is a term used in West Africa and among diaspora communities that can refer to several distinct topics. In onomastics, Bulama is a surname found among Hausa-speaking people and other West African communities; it is used as a family name and, less commonly, as a given name. The usage of the name appears in public records and biographical sources across politics, education, business, and culture, reflecting regional naming practices rather than a single notable bearer.

In cuisine, Bulama denotes a traditional dish in parts of West Africa. It is generally described as a thick, hearty preparation—often a stew or porridge—made from locally available grains or legumes and tempered with spices, nuts, or seeds. Regional variants exist, reflecting differences in ingredients and cooking methods.

As a place name, Bulama designates several geographic localities in Nigeria and neighboring countries, typically small villages or districts. In such contexts the name functions as a toponym rather than an ethnolinguistic or culinary term.

Because Bulama operates in different linguistic and cultural domains, its precise meaning depends on context. The term may be encountered in genealogical records, cookery traditions, or geographic descriptions, and it may appear in local media, academic works, or diaspora communities.