MANSARAY
Mansaray
Mansaray is a surname of West African origin that is prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly among the Sierra Leonean community. The name is believed to have its roots in the Mende language spoken in Sierra Leone, with "Mana" meaning "for" and "Saray" meaning "the people".
Origins
The Mansaray surname is commonly found among the Mende and Temne ethnic groups in Sierra Leone. During the era of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, many individuals with the surname Mansaray were taken as slaves from Sierra Leone to British colonies such as Jamaica and Barbados. This dispersion of the surname contributed to its presence in the UK.
Distribution
In the United Kingdom, the surname Mansaray is predominantly concentrated in cities with significant Sierra Leonean communities, such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Many individuals bearing the Mansaray surname have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, politics, and the arts.
Notable Individuals
- Ibrahim Mansaray: A prominent Sierra Leonean-British journalist and human rights activist known for his work in promoting social justice and equality.
- Aminata Mansaray: An accomplished lawyer and advocate for diversity in the legal profession, recognised for her efforts in fostering inclusivity and representation.
The Mansaray surname serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and historical connections between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom. Despite the challenges faced by many Sierra Leonean immigrants in the UK, individuals with the Mansaray surname have demonstrated resilience and determination in contributing to British society.
There are approximately 542 people named Mansaray in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Mansaray.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Abdul
- Abu
- Ahmed
- Gibril
- Hassan
- Ibraheem
- Ibrahim
- Michael
- Mohamed
- Samuel
Female
- Adama
- Aminata
- Fatmata
- Hawa
- Isata
- Isha
- Kadiatu
- Mariama
- Ramatu
- Zainab