'mansa' originates from the Mandinka (a Mande language), specifically the word 'mansa', where it meant 'king' or 'ruler'.

'mansa' was recorded in Arabic and in Portuguese and other European accounts of West Africa from the medieval and early modern periods and was adopted into English usage through those historical writings and modern historical scholarship.

Initially, it meant 'ruler' or 'king' in the local Mandé languages; in English it has retained that sense but is now primarily used as a historical title referring to rulers of the Mali Empire.