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.