While the exact date of her birth is unknown, it is estimated that Suah Koko was born around 1850. She was likely born in Ngalensu, part of the former Kornyea-Komu District. Her name, "Koko", is an uncommon
Kpelle name that is traditionally given to the fifth female child born to a mother in former
French Guinea. After attending a
Sande society initiation school, she was given the name "Suah" or "Suaa", which was shared with her mother and is also a title given to someone who has accomplished a noteworthy achievement in the
Sande society. "Nye", an additional title, means "mother" in the
Kpelle language and was used by her followers as a sign of respect. The territory was then known as "Kiayeah", or "area of the united people" in Kpelle, and was previously called "Kornyea-Komu", or "the hills area". At the time she was said to be the only female indigenous ruler in the country. Her age was estimated at 60–70 years. Notably, she was one of the few Liberian national heroes who never converted to
Christianity and continued to practice
traditional African religion. ==Legacy==