Kwadwo

Last updated
Kwadwo/Kwadjo/Kojo
GenderMale
Origin
Word/name Akan people
Meaningborn on a Monday
Region of originFlag of Ashanti.svg  Ashanti
Empire of Ashanti
Other names
Related namesKojo, Kwadjo, Cudjoe, Kodwo

Kwadwo/Kwadjo/Kojo (Kwadwo in Ghana) is an Akan masculine given name originating from the Akan people, meaning born on a Monday. [1] As an Akan given name, with the Akans being a large ethnic group consisting of various tribes such as the Fante, Asante, Akuapem among others, Kwadwo/Kwadjo is sometimes written as "Kojo", Kwadwo or Kwadjo and is also used less frequently as a family name (see Akan name). [2] People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. [3] Kwadwo has the appellation Okoto or Asera meaning peace. Thus, males named Kwodwo tend to be peaceful. [4] [5] [3]

Contents

Origin and Meaning of Kwadwo

In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Kwadwo originated from Koyayuda and the Lord of Life Firmament deity of the day Monday. [1] [5] Males named Kwadwo tend to be nurturing and achieve a balance between strength and compassion. [3]

Male variants of Kwadwo

Day names in Ghana vary in spelling among the various Akan subgroups. The name is spelt Kwadwo by the Akuapem and Ashanti subgroups while the Fante subgroup spell it as Kwadjo, Kodwo, Cudjoe, Jojo or Kojo. [2]

Female version of Kwadwo

In the Akan culture and other local cultures in Ghana, day names come in pairs for males and females. The variant of the name used for a female child born on Monday is Adwoa. [1] [4] [3]

Notable people with the name Kwadwo

Most Ghanaian children have their cultural day names in combination with their English or Christian names. Some notable people with such names are:

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Akua is an Akan female given name among the Akan people in Ghana that means "born on a Wednesday" in Akan language, following their day naming system. People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days.

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Yaa is a feminine given name originating from the Akan day naming system, meaning born on a Thursday. Day names are a cultural practice of the Akan people of Ghana. Although some might believe it is mostly practised by 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. Yaa has the appellation Busuo or Seandze meaning brave. Thus, females named Yaa are supposed to be brave.

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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Sociolinguistic of Akan Personal Names". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  2. 1 2 Kamunya, Mercy (2018-10-19). "Akan names and their meanings". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Konadu, Kwasi (2012). "The Calendrical Factor in Akan History". International Journal of African Historical Studies. 45: 217–246.
  4. 1 2 "'Day born names' in Dagbani, Ewe and Fante". GhanaWeb. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  5. 1 2 "The Akan Day Names and Their Embedded Ancient Symbolism". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2021-04-06.