Ghanaian name

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Ghanaian names (or personal names in Ghana) consist of several given names and surnames based on the language of ethnic groups in Ghana: including Akan, Mole-Dagombas, Ga, Ewe and Nzema. Frequently, children are given a "day name" which corresponds to the day in the week when they were born. These day names have further meanings concerning the soul and character of the person. Middle names have considerably more variety and can refer to their birth order, twin status, or an ancestor's middle name. These names are also used among Ghanaians living abroad and among Africans living in the diaspora who wish to identify with their ancestral homeland. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the enslaved people from modern day Ghana in the Caribbean were referred to as Coromantees. Most day names among the Mole-Dagombas are usually given to girls, and few are given to both sexes.

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Most Ghanaians have at least one name from this system, even if they also have an Arabic or western name. Notable figures with day names include Ghana's first president Kwame Nkrumah and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Examples of Ghanaian day names (mainly in the southern part)

MaleFemale
SundayAkwasi, Kwasi, Kwesi, Akwesi, Sisi, Kacely, Koshi, KosiKosiwa, Kwasiwa, Awisi, Akosua, Akasi, Akos, Esi, Awesi, Awan
MondayKojo, Kwadwo, Jojo, Joojo, Kujoe, Kwadzo, KodzoAdzo, Adwoa, Adjoa, Adzoa, Adwoma
TuesdayKobla, Kwabena, Ebo, Komla, Kwabla, Kabenla, Kobe, Kobi, Kobby, KobinaAbla, Abena, Abenayo, Abenkwan, Ablamaa, Araba
WednesdayKaku, Kwaku, Abeiku, Kuuku, Kweku, Keku, KokuAkuba, Akua, Aku, Kukua, Akuma, Akusea, Ekua
ThursdayYaw, Kwaw, Ekow, YaoYawo, Yaa, Yawa, Awo, Yaba
FridayKofi, Fifi, Fiifi, Yoofi, KwoiAfua, Afia, Afi, Efua, Efia, Afmaba
SaturdayKwame, Kwami, Kwafica, Kwamina/Kwamena, Komi, AtoAma, Amma, Ami

TWINS (GIRLS) -KAKRA AND PANYIN.

TWINS (GIRLS) - AKWELEY AND AKORKOR (AKOR)

TWINS (GIRLS) - KANI AND KPONKPOR

TWINS (BOYS) - AKWETEY AND AKWERTEH

TWINS (BOYS) - ATTERH AND LAWER

TWINS (BOY AND GIRL) - ATTAH AND LAWER

TWINS (BOY AND GIRL) - AKWETEY AND AKWELEY

Examples of Ghanaian day names (mainly in the northern part)

(See Naming customs of the Dagomba people.)

MaleFemaleBoth sexes
Sunday-Lahari-
Monday-Tani-
Tuesday-Talaata-
Wednesday-Lariba
Thursday--Lamisi or Laamihi
FridayAzindooAzima-
SaturdaySibidooSibiri-

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Ama is an Akan feminine given name originating from the Akan people following their day naming system, meaning "born on Saturday". Day names are a cultural practice of the Akan people of Ghana. It is practised by all the subgroups of the Akan people who follow traditional customs. People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Ama has the appellation "Nyamewa" or "Adoma" meaning creation or grace.

Akosua is an Akan given name to a female child born on Sunday (Kwasiada). Although some might believe it is mostly practised by the Ashanti people, it is actually practised by all Akan people who follow traditional customs. People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Akosua has the appellation Dampo meaning agility. Thus, females named Akosua are supposed to be agile.

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