Shehu
Shehu is a Muslim boy name of Hausa form of Arabic Shaykh origin, meaning “Elder, learned leader”.
| Meaning | Elder, learned leader |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Hausa form of Arabic Shaykh |
| Written as | شيخ |
| Pronunciation | SHEH-hoo |
| Tradition | Muslim |
| Used in | Nigeria, West Africa |
Meaning and origin of Shehu
Shehu is how Hausa speakers say the Arabic shaykh, a word for an elder, a master or a learned leader, from a root tied to age and seniority. Northern Nigerians link it above all to Usman dan Fodio, known simply as the Shehu, the reformer and scholar who established the Sokoto Caliphate in the early 1800s. The rulers of Borno also carry Shehu as their title, and Nigeria's former president Shehu Shagari bore the name.
Is Shehu a Muslim name?
Shehu, the Hausa version of Shaykh, is honoured among Nigerian Muslims largely because of Shehu Usman dan Fodio.
How popular is Shehu?
It is very common in northern Nigeria and among Hausa and Fulani Muslims.
Gifts with the name Shehu
- Shehu name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Shehu baby gifts (Amazon)
- Muslim baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Shehu
Names similar to Shehu
More Muslim boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shehu mean?
Shehu means 'Elder, learned leader'. It is of Hausa form of Arabic Shaykh origin.
Is Shehu a Muslim name?
Shehu, the Hausa version of Shaykh, is honoured among Nigerian Muslims largely because of Shehu Usman dan Fodio.
How do you pronounce Shehu?
Shehu is pronounced SHEH-hoo.
Is Shehu a boy or girl name?
Shehu is usually a boy name.