Stories and facts

The Akan people of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo hold a beautiful naming tradition that reflects their deep cultural values and spiritual beliefs.

Children are often named according to the day of the week they were born and their birth order, with each name carrying a special meaning tied to personality and destiny.

Middle names may further signify a person’s twin status, ancestry, or special circumstances surrounding their birth.

This tradition stretches far beyond Ghana, reaching communities across West Africa and the African diaspora.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved people from modern-day Ghana, known in the Caribbean as Coromantees, carried these day names with them.

Many prominent leaders of slave uprisings, such as Cuffy (Kofi), Cudjoe (Kojo), Quao (Kwaw), and Quamina (Kwame), bore these names, preserving their Akan heritage even in exile.

Today, most Ghanaians still carry at least one Akan name, often paired with English or Christian ones. Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, are shining examples of this enduring practice.

In the Twi language, especially in the Ashanti dialect, male names often begin with Ko or Kwa, while female names start with A and end in a or wa. For instance, a Friday-born boy is Kofi, and a girl is Afua.

Each day name holds symbolic meaning, with Sunday-borns (Kwesi, Akosua) representing the universe, Monday-borns (Kojo, Adwoa) embodying peace, and Saturday-borns (Kwame, Ama) associated with God.

Special names also exist for twins and children born under unique circumstances. The elder twin is Panyin, the younger Kakra, and a child born after twins is Tawia. Others, like Nyamekyε meaning God’s gift or Afriyie meaning good year, reflect gratitude and divine blessing.

Family names, especially among the Ashanti, are passed down through generations, preserving ancestry and identity.

Sons and daughters are often named after paternal grandparents, a tradition that honors family heritage. Common Ashanti surnames include Osei, Owusu, Boateng, Boakye, and Agyeman.

Deeply rooted in meaning and memory, Akan names are more than identifiers; they are living symbols of history, spirituality, and the enduring bond between people, their families, and the divine.

Explore a rich collection of Akan stories below.