When a baby is born in Ghana, a lot of thinking goes into the naming, just like in cultures all around the world. Ghana baby names are carefully chosen based on a number of beliefs, customs, and traditions. They encompass a first name followed by the parent’s name or the name of an elder in the house (1). The naming convention in Ghana is unique and varies from systems in the world. For instance, when a baby is born, they are kept indoors for at least seven days. The mother can come out, but the baby cannot unless it’s an emergency. The baby is named on the eighth day. During the naming ceremony, the baby is shown to friends and family and interestingly the guests come dressed in traditional white and colorful clothing (1). The Ghanaians believe that a name accompanies a person for the rest of his or her life and is also a critical rite of passage. Hence, they pick a meaningful name for their children. Besides the meaning, Ghanaian names are also derived from their ethnic Akan names. According to the rules of this ethnic group, baby names should be based on the day the child was born, such as Yawa for one born on Thursday, Ekuwa for one born on Wednesday, and Kojo for one born on Monday. They believe that a child born on a particular day has certain exclusive traits, which should be reflected in their names. The other factors considered by Ghanaians include the time and circumstances surrounding the birth, the gender of the baby, religious views, ancestors, and the father’s name. They also named babies after their order of birth, such as Tawiah for the first child after one has birthed twins or Duku for one who was born eleventh in the family. Additionally, meanings were chosen based on spirituality, virtues, and natural connotations. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful Ghanaian name for your child, look no further. We have got you an extensive list of Ghana names with meanings.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Portia | Girl | Pig; Hog | |
Selasi | Unisex | Honorable and blessed | |
Serwa | Girl | A noblewoman | |
Tawiah | Girl | The first child after twins | |
Tracy | Girl | Fierce; Warrior | |
Tsoenamawu | Girl | Leave it to God | |
Veliane | Girl | Companion | |
Wafaa | Girl | Faithfulness | |
Woelinam | Girl | In God I trust | |
Xoese | Unisex | Believe | |
Xorlali | Girl | The savior exists | |
Yaa | Girl | One who is born on Thursday | |
Yaaba | Girl | One who is born on Thursday | |
Yaayaa | Girl | One who is born on Thursday | |
Yawa | Girl | One who is born on a Thursday | |
Ye | Girl | The elder of twins | |
Yehowada | Girl | God's day | |
Yomawu | Girl | Call on God | |
Zuhrah | Girl | Brightness |
Ghana baby names serve as a testament to the country's diverse ethnicities, beliefs, and customs. Accompanied by elaborate celebratory practices, these names are integral to the country's cultural fabric. Naming practices in Ghana go beyond mere labels and reflect a profound connection to ancestry, spirituality, and community. Therefore, the above-listed names have been chosen to pay homage to this community's deep-rooted traditions and familial orientation.
Infographic: Adorable Ghana Names For Boys And Girls
From gender-specific names to astrological influences, this insightful infographic delves into the key aspects of Ghanaian naming practices. It aims at shedding light on the cherished rituals and ceremonies that celebrate new life and family heritage. Discover how these meaningful names connect individuals to their ancestry, spiritual beliefs, and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Ghanaian name for blessing?
Ghanaian names with relevance to the concept of blessing include Jennifer, meaning blessed; Nana, meaning grace or favor; Felicia, meaning blessed with luck; and Adric, meaning a blessed ruler.
2. What are some factors to consider when choosing a Ghanaian baby name?
According to Ghanaian naming tradition, a name is typically chosen considering the day of the week of birth, the baby's gender, birth order, circumstances surrounding the birth, ethnicity, and family heritage. These factors contribute to the rich fabric of Ghanaian naming traditions and ensure a meaningful and culturally rooted choice.
3. What are some cultural or historical references in Ghanaian baby names?
Ghanaian names take inspiration from diverse ethnic traditions, historical figures, and cultural values. For instance, names such as Kwame and Ama, meaning Saturday-born, uphold the day-naming system of the Akan people of Ghana, while names like Nkrumah honor Ghana's first President and Prime Minister, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, reflecting historical importance.
References:
- Baby naming ceremony.
https://www.reachtheworld.org/destinys-journey-ghana/traditions/baby-naming-ceremony