Day Born Names in Ewe, Dagbani, Fante and Ga
You may be familiar with the Christian and western names that were given to children on their birthdays, but what about the Ghanaian traditional names that are given? Ewe, Dagbani, Fante, and Ga each have different traditions when it comes to the day-born names that are given on the occasion of a child’s birth.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to these names, and the choice of name can depend on a variety of factors like the gender of the child, how long she has been in the mother’s womb, or how much pain she caused the mother during birth.
What is day born name?
In many African cultures, babies are given a day-born name. These names are given on the day the baby is born and is based on the day of the week that they were born on. This can be due to superstitions or it may just be a way for families to remember where their children were during that time of year.
Day Born Names in Ewe, Dagbani, Fante and Ga
| Days | Ewe Female | Ewe Male | Dagbani Female | Dagbani Male | Fante Female | Fante Male | Ga Female | Ga Male |
| Sunday | Awusi | Kosi | Lahari | – | Esi | Kwesi | Akoshia | Kwasi |
| Monday | Adzo | Kwadzo | Tani | – | Adwoa | Kodwo | Ajua | Kojo |
| Tuesday | Abra | Kwabla | Zilaata | – | Abena | Kobina | Abla | Kobla |
| Wednesday | Aku | Korku | Laaba | – | Akua | Kweku | Akua | Kwaku |
| Thursday | Awo | Yao | Laamihi | – | Aba | Yaw | Aba | Kwao |
| Friday | Afi | Kofi | Azima | Azindoo | Efua | Kofi | Afua | Kofi |
| Saturday | Ami | Kwami | Sibi-paya | Sibi-doo | Ama | Kwamina | Kwami | Ama |
Why do Ghanaians have day names?
In Ghana, a child is given a day’s name once born. It is believed that day names have further meanings concerning the soul and character of the person.
Who created day names?
The Romans created day names. They named days of the week after the Sun and the Moon and five planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) which were also names of their gods.
What does a name symbolize?
Names are an important part of a person’s identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, family, and historical connections. They also give a sense of who you are, the community you are from, and your place in this world.
Conclusion
Day-born names are a major part of the culture of Ghanaian tribes. Day-born children are given their names based on the day they were born. This tradition cuts across all tribes in Ghana.
