Origin
Derived from West African languages, particularly from the Fulani and Mandinka peoples. It is a common surname and given name in West Africa, especially in countries like Senegal, Mali, and Nigeria. The name 'Idrissa' is often linked with Islamic cultural influences, as it is considered an Islamic name, and many notable figures bearing the name have Islamic heritage. The name does not have direct roots in Aboriginal or Māori languages but has been adopted in multicultural Australian contexts through migration and community influence.
Meaning
The name 'Idrissa' is believed to mean 'interpreter' or 'one who interprets' in some West African lingual contexts, or alternatively linked to 'prophet' or 'wise leader' in Islamic interpretations. In Australian English, it might carry connotations of cultural heritage, wisdom, and leadership, especially in multicultural communities.
Pronunciation
/ɪdˈriːsɑː/ (Australian English pronunciation, with the emphasis on the second syllable) - 'id-REE-sah'. The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on community influence.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Idris
- Idrissa (original form, commonly used in West Africa)
- Idrisz (Hungarian variant)
Nicknames
- Idri
- Iddy
- Ido
Name Days
- 20 April (Muslim tradition - Islamic calendar date commemorating the birth or significant event associated with the Prophet Idris, often identified with the biblical Enoch).
- Year-round personal celebration - No specific Australian national or religious 'name day'. Australian culture generally does not observe name days, but Islamic communities celebrate Eid and other Islamic festivals that may honour Islamic prophets.
- Māori and Aboriginal ceremonies do not traditionally include name days as a concept.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with idrissa:
- Mohamed Idrissa
- Amira Idrissa (for siblings or paired names)
- Ali Idrissa (common surname for middle names)
Fun Facts
- The name Idrissa has been carried by several notable Muslim community leaders and activists in Australia, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the country.
- In Australia, the name is more common in communities with African, Middle Eastern, or Asian backgrounds, but increasingly appears in multicultural urban areas.
- There is a notable Australian football player with the name Idrissa, highlighting its presence in diverse sporting backgrounds.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name idrissa:
- Leadership
- Wisdom
- Cultural pride
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has an aesthetically balanced, rhythmic quality, with soft yet strong phonetic elements that are harmonious in modern typographic design, especially in multicultural branding and community signage.
Geographical Distribution
Primarily found in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane where diverse migrant populations reside, especially in suburbs with African and Middle Eastern communities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual growth, and analytical minds in numerology, reflecting the name's cultural depth and spiritual significance.
Astrological Connections
Not specifically linked to astrology or zodiac signs, but individuals named Idrissa may be connected to traits associated with Cancer or Pisces due to the water element's influence.
Historical Context
The name Idrissa is associated with Islamic scholars and community leaders in Australia. It has also appeared in literature and media as a symbol of multicultural identity. An example includes fictional characters in Australian literature representing African diaspora communities.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is adapted with ease into various scripts, maintaining pronunciation across languages. It remains largely unchanged across cultures but may be spelled differently (e.g., Idris in Arabic script).
Famous People Named idrissa
- Idrissa Gana Gueye (Footballer)
- Idrissa Seck (Senegalese politician) in global contexts, occasionally noted within Australian multicultural discussions.
- Amina Idrissa (author and community organiser, Australia)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2015 | 1 |