What is "joof"

Joof, is a typical Serer patronym in the Gambia. In French speaking Senegal, it is written as Diouf, whilst in English speaking Gambia, it is written as Joof. The surname is carried by several personalities :

• Alhaji Alieu Ebrima Cham Joof, (1924–2011), Gambian historian, author, politician and advocate for Gambia's independence during the colonial era.
• Alhaji Bai Modi Joof, (1933–1993), Gambian barrister and defender of free speech and the press, younger brother of Alhaji Alieu Ebrima Cham Joof
• Hella Joof, actress
• Joseph Henry Joof, (born 1960), Gambien lawyer and politician
• Lamane Jegan Joof, (c. 11th century), founder and King of Tukar - present-day Senegal.
• Maad a Sinig Ama Joof Gnilane Faye Joof, (died 1853), King of Sine ( Kingdom of Sine)
• Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, ( c. 1810 – 23 August 1871), King Sine
• Maad a Sinig Mahecor Joof, (died 1969), King of Sine
• Maad Ndaah Njemeh Joof (c. 13th century), King of Lâ (var: Laa or Laah), in Baol, part of modern day Senegal.
• Maad Semou Njekeh Joof, (18th century), founder of The Royal House of Semou Njekeh Joof
• Tamsier Joof, (1973) dancer, choreographer, businessman