- Origin: Wolof, West African
- Meaning: “lady”
- Gender: Female
Sokhna is a West African female name and honorific title that is derived from the Arabic root s-kh-n (سخن), literally meaning “warm, gentle warmth, tranquility.” Thus, the feminine noun سُخْنَة (sukhna / sokhna) can denote pleasant warmth or comfort.
In West Africa—especially among Senegalese, Mauritanian, and Gambian Muslims—Sokhna is a female honorific and given name.
It is often used as a respectful title for women of religious learning or for daughters of prominent Islamic families (comparable to “Madame” or “Lady” plus the personal name). You will hear it before a woman’s given name, e.g., Sokhna Aida, Sokhna Mariama.
It is also used as a given-name.
A notable bearer is Sokhna Benga (b. 1967), a Senegalese novelist and poet.
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