These include purification ceremonies. Yacub Addy, Obo Addy, and Mustapha Tettey Addy are Ga drummers who have achieved international fame. To complicate matters, the ancient Traditional names in Ghana vary by ethnic group. Most of them name their newly born children depending on the day of the week on which the child had been born. So whenever you hear a female child called Kaa it means she is the third female child of her parents. Explore the most common surnames in Ghana. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Ga-Adangbe or Ga Adangme people are usually grouped as part of the Ga-Dangme ethnolinguistic groups of Ghana, Benin, and Togo. This name means King, Prince, and fearless leader or Warrior. The coffins can be anything wanted by relatives of the deceased from a pencil to an elephant. TRAVEL 11 Beautiful Croatian Names and What They Mean. Basically, the Ga-Adangbe people live across the plains of Accra. . The oral tradition, recorded by N. A. Azu, is that the people migrated from "Same, an island situated south-west of River Ogun", which may in reality have been a kingdom in Nigeria. Azaa: Dubious Babylon: England Boga: A Ghanaian living abroad, this word originated from the word Hamburger after residents of Hamburg, many of who are of Ghanaian origin. This naming after the days of the week has a much deeper meaning, because the day on which a person was born has about the similar significance as in the western hemisphere the assignment to a sign of the zodiac. . Required fields are marked *. In Ghana, there are different cultures, languages, and people. Females born on Sunday are known to be leaders in society. Children are considered to be a gift from God in Ghana. 10 Female Contemporary Artists From India To Know. View. Many people in Africa have several. B Danquah created his myth linking the Akan to the ancient Ghana empire. After Atswei comes Ayokor. If you're on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls. This is expensive for local families considering that it is not unusual to meet people with an income of only $50 a month. KWAME / AMMA: both mean Lord of Lifes Satisfaction Day, names that commemorate the institution of rest. Many coffin shapes also evoke proverbs, which are interpreted in different ways by the Ga. Design coffins have been used since around the 1950s, especially in rural Ga groups with traditional beliefs, and have now become an integral part of Ga burial culture. ETHNONYMS: Ga-Adangme, Adangbe Orientation Identification and Location. This was an early and innovative form of capitalism where an elaborate system of property ownership was established and subsequently shared. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Rank Surname Incidence . Pigments: A series Exploring the Art of Body-Painting in Africa. To re-enact these historic events, the warriors dress in traditional battle dress and stage a mock battle. These names are more common to the female child than the male child. This name means strong-willed and determined. Scottish last names have diverse origins that are distinguishable among the surnames. We take you into this culture and show you as well your Ghanaian name! Nii Funny specialize in 'jama' kind of music and that was what gave him his first hit song, 'Broken Heart.,' a song produced by Spanky. Please use this up to date list of Ghana name as a reference to name your kid/child. Pick a name that reflects how your baby signifies hope and new beginnings in your life. So for easy identification one must be called Atswei-foi, so that anyone who hears it will know the man already has a first female child already. This is what is known as "Nyuu lubu". This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Oral traditions state the Ga came from the region of Lake Chad and reached their destination in the 16th century. 9. Certain shapes, such as a sword or chair coffin, represent royal or priestly insignia with a magical and religious function. However, the naming ceremony is not where the day name is given, its where their actual name is given. Life, Death, And Facts About Harriet Tubmans Daughter, Bishop Noel Jones A Look into His Bio, Marriage, Divorce, 7 Untold Facts, Jordan Beckford Is Tyson Beckfords Son- Heres All We Know About Him, Sfiso Ncwane- His Life, Death, Wife, Hidden Kids, Fight Over His Fortune. After reading an article by Gilbert Nii-Okai Addy, a writer and guitarist, about Adedainkpo (old Accra), I joined Accra Archive Fellow Akotowaa Ofori to interview him about Ga history, ethnicity, naming patterns and more. It is celebrated in remembrance of a great famine that hit the Ga people. This is considered their soul name. In this system a huge tract of land is acquired by a group of people but represented by a prominent member of the group, the group were usually members of an extended family; the land is subdivided among them according to the amount each has paid, and each individual thereafter has complete control of his own section. The Gas are referred to as people coming from the Greater Accra region in Ghana. African History according to its culture, chieftaincy, politics, democracy and so forth. After Kaa comes Tsotsoo. Explore all African Countries. The Ga believe that when someone dies, they move to another life. Most Ghanaians define the beauty of a woman to be a woman who is well brought up, cultured, we. Essentially, it is an appellation used for every child born, in reverence to their fore-parents who first bore the names they are given today. If that grandmothers name is given to you, you have to revere the name. Similarly, only the heads of the families concerned are permitted to be buried in coffins such as these. Lamisi, Gyakie, Cina Soul, Freda Rhymz and Amaarae. Aban Ghanaian names (or personal names in Ghana) consist of several given names and surnames based on the language of ethnic groups in Ghana: including Akan, Mole-Dagombas, Ga, Ewe and Nzema.Frequently, children are given a "day name" which corresponds to the day in the week when they were born. Monday - Kojo (male), Adjoa (female) Tuesday - Kwabena (male), Abena (female) Wednesday - Kwaku (male), Akua (female) Thursday - Yaw (male), Yaa (female) Friday - Kofi (male), Afua (female) Both the Ga and Adangbe people has other sub-tribe under them who speaks different dialects. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Dangme is exclusively closer to the original GaDangme languages than the Ga language.[6]. Ethnic Ga family names (surnames) include Nikoi, Amon, Kotey, Kotie, Adei, Kutorkor, Oblitey, Lartey, Nortey, Aryee, Poku and Lamptey. Morowa Pronounced: Mo-ro-wah Meaning: Queen Best For: Female 4. This pretty name means "cheerful" or "lively" in Italian and makes a beautiful option for a little girl. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern . Even the biggest personalities in Ghana have more than one name. Rather, it consists of hundreds of different ethnic influences and tribes who speak their own dialects and their own languages, having different cultural backgrounds. Over time, the Akan have defined seven names per gender, each referring to a day of the week. History also plays a part in this. The following are names derived from the ethnic Dangme and common among the Ningos Nartey, Tetteh, Kwei, Kweinor, Kwetey, Narteh, Narh, Dugbatey, Teye, Martey, Addo, Siaw, Saki, Amanor, Djangba. The Ghanaian Tradition of Day Names and Everything You Need to Know About it, Image source - https://www.frazerconsultants.com/2018/11/carpenters-in-ghana-make-customized-caskets/, Enter your email to receive news and updates on the latest African narratives, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Umemulo, the beautiful Zulu ceremony which signals a girl is ready for marriage, Meet the Hadza people of Tanzania and why they do not worry about shelter or food, Niksat: the Ethiopian tattoo tradition past and present, South Africa safaris for first-timers: 8 things to know before you book, Seven interesting facts you didnt know about Eritrea. It is one of the most common Akan surnames. See Also:Thank You in Swahili, Zulu, And 50 Other African Languages. These are mainly in the Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo Districts of the Eastern Region. So Nortey has an appellation of Shometse even if hes young, so when he grows and he has a daughter, he calls her Naa Shorme because the first Shorme was born somewhere in 1618 so she was our grandmother. These are names given to two set of female twins. Ga-Adangbe tribe is one of the ethnic groups in Ghana with vibrant culture. Kofi (male) Afua (female) the day on which the first home was created or established. Mensah is the most common Ghanian surname with one in 55 people having the name. Same goes for Akuorkor. ^ "Ghana - 2010 Population and Housing Census" (PDF). Second, they may find it hard to pronounce your name at first (as you may find it hard to pronounce theirs), so it will save you both the trouble! Tsu - Reddish Yumu - Dark ua - Tall Wayo - Small So if the first wife had a girl and the second wife had a girl, depending on the characterises of the child you would name them Dede - Tsu and Dede- yumu 2. Writing for me is more than just a profession or a means to an end. Such beautiful Ghana girl names are suitable for a sweet-tempered child. The song, produced by Nii Quaye, is performed in her local Ga dialect, was recorded ahead of the 2019 edition of the Homowo festival . The 27-year-old, who calls himself Kweiku, is . Other Tribes include Ga-Adangbe, Twi, and these Ghanaian Female names can be used interchangeably by some of these tribes. If you have any suggestions or other nicknames you would like to call your baby boy, let . . The Ga people are known for their funeral celebrations and processions. View. Kojo or Kodwo is the name of an Alata quarter stool holder of the Osu settlement. Click here for additional information. [8], The Ga-Dangme are organized into clans based on patrilineal descent; the clans are subdivided into localized patrilineages, the basic units of the Ga-Dangme historical, political, cultural tribal group. It commemorates the victories of the warriors in battle and is a memorial for those who fell on the battlefield. Some of these changes came about by their interactions with other ethnic groups, such as the Akans, whereas others came through commerce. Parents in Ghana name their children after notable people in the community, historical events, or natural phenomena. Looking at Africa through its Art, and those who create it. The naming system of the Akan people is as distinct as that which elders in Togo (the Ewe people), the Ga people, Benin (the Fon people), and the African diaspora pass on to toddlers. Short and adorable nicknames for your little one or close ones named Hannah. Forenames. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. Connecting you to Africa through telling stories of her culture, history and heritage. Onyame is often thought to be female and associated with the Moon. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Shikha Thakur MBA Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Attributed to be bearers of chiefs and also kings, Agyenim. This 'traditional' salad is eaten on its own or by the side of jollof . Thema Pronounced: The-mah Meaning: Queen Best For: Female 5. babynamescube.com 2023. There are six significant settlements from which a Ga child could be born into. Kra names. Negotiations with the seller are carried out by an elected Huzatse (father of the Huza), who later acts as the Huza leader and representative. Ghanaians and their different ethnic groups have a number of different traditional ceremonies and the naming ceremony is one of them, an event that is carried out with much celebration. 3. The following are some of them. Ga is the preferred name for the heterogeneous people of the Accra area who are closely related to the Adangme or Adangbe people to the northeast of Accra. the [Konor] who is the Paramount Chief sits in state as the overlord together with his sub-chiefs, Government officials, other traditional Authorities and Invited guests. The Akan supreme being, Onyame, has many other names. Retrieved 8 January 2017. 34. Agbenyega: Life's greatest (g) Agbenyefia: King's life (b) Agbemav: Eternal life (u) Agbemafle: Life cannot be bought (b) Agbemabiase: The origin of life is not known (b) Agbeli: There is life (u) Agbeko: If only there were life (b) Agbe: Life (g) Afua: Given life on a Friday (g) Afryea: Born during happy times (g) Afelete: Established home (g) One who never experienced hardship, Acheompong. A deeper look into the different cultures of the African continent, its food, people, music, art, language and more. Here is a list of the names: Nyankomago - The second child after twins . These are names given to two set of female twins. It goes on and on and on. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing ar more. It is a common saying, that all Gas are either Nii (for the males) or Naa (for the females). What day of the week were you born? The social status of the deceased depends primarily on the size and the success of the burial service and of course the usage of an exclusive coffin. A child that is born on a certain day is believed to have certain traits, which is reflected in their name. [6], The Ga people were organized into six independent towns (Accra (Ga Mashie), Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema). Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. The Ga and Dangbe people are grouped respectively as part of the GaDangme ethnolinguistic group. The Dangme people occupy the coastal area of Ghana from Kpone to Ada, on the Volta River and South Atlantic Ocean along the Gulf of Guinea and inland along the Volta River. You'll love these names if you adore the classy, bygone era. Finding the right name for baby should be a stress-free experience, and choosing by origin is often a great way to eliminate . These names can be derived from circumstances surrounding the birth of a child, the parents faith, pronouncements made about the child, and many other reasons. [4] It is also believed that by the 17th century they traveled down the River Niger and crossed the Volta to reach present day Ghana. Diverse ethnicities have variants and meanings as a symbol of cultural integrity and ancestral affiliation. Your email address will not be published. Ghanian Female Names and Their Meanings Akan Names and Their Meanings 1. Saturday is also a day observed as the Sabbath in traditional/typical Akan communities. King Jerry has a very hot banger that's so popular in all the Ga Communities. Adedainkpo in Accra is an old Ga community dating back to before the 1800s. Such names which refer to filthy or nasty things are believed to prevent such children from dying. It means noble or honorable. Kpakpatsewe is the original name of this family. AKWELEY AND AKUOKOR. After Atswei comes Ayokor. These day names have further meanings concerning the soul and character of the person. The Akan system uses the Kwa language, one of the main Ghanaian languages. These names he explained, must be revered in honour of the first persons who bore them, reason every such name is prefixed with a Nii or a Naa, depending on the gender of the person. This is one of the trending fabrics in Ghana and worldwide and can be found sewn into a dress, shirt, shorts, etc. View. If you want to impress a local, learn your day name because Ghanaians love it when you introduce yourself with your actual name, followed by your day name. Music of the Ga-Dangbe people also include [Klama], [Kpatsa] and the Dipo dance all of the Krobo people. Annan (the fourth, male) / Anane (the fourth, female). Slaves from the Gold Coast taken to the Caribbean during the 18th and 19th centuries were referred to as Coromantees: an English-language term for enslaved people from the Akan ethnic group from the Gold Coast region in modern-day Ghana. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Ghana. "The family name of this people starts with a man and his wife; with the Ama or Amarh line. Most Ghanans have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday). The following are the names in. It is mainly a food festival which celebrates the passing of that terrible period in the history of the Ga people. Some of the other sources I have used for this article are Kweku Darko Ankrahs article on A Look at the Ga Mantse and Gbese Stool Family Lines, Ga Naming Pattern on Ghanaweb and What You Didn't Know About Ga Names And Their Sabla by Naa Oyoo Quartey; Like other ethnic groups in Ghana, newborn Ga babies are given names with peculiar patterns and meanings, which may include the day of birth. They were also the guards of the occupants of the Asere stool. It is not unusual for a single coffin to cost $600. Ghanaian names (or personal names in Ghana) consist of several given names and surnames based on the language of ethnic groups in Ghana: including Akan, Mole-Dagombas, Ga, Ewe and Nzema. Afreyea (Ghanaian origin ) meaning "born during good times". Most of the Ghanaian names have their foundation from the ethnic akan names. News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. Search 31 million family names. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Before the birth of a Ga child, one of their names is known irrespective of the day of birth because the order of birth and settlement into which they were born forms part of the Ga naming system. They are many a times you will hear Atswei- foi, meaning , small Atswei or Atswei junior, what then it means is that, there is a probability the man has a first child already name who is also Atswei , so when he marries again and gets another baby girly with the new wife , that child will also be Atswei . Young Boy discusses encounters with Ga-Adangbes - (Spoken in Ga). These cookies do not store any personal information. Euphemisms are very common, especially about events connected . Other forms of traditional naming include middle names, which can refer to order of birth as part of the caste of siblings, twin status, or could be an inherited maiden name. The Ahenemaa slippers are Ghanaian made and worn by the Akans. Chief Priest of Osu Nadu/ Klottey, Wor-Lumor Nuumo Noi Sekanku Kpenuku II, Meet Bright Hodzor; the man who paints the Jubilee House People & Places, 'I am an SHS graduate but I teach people from the university' - The Celebrity Painter, People & Places: Amazing discoveries on Ghanas only canopy walkway with a waterfall view, Next on People & Places: Touring this magical canopy walkway in Ghana, Residents of Juapong threaten to block train passage if overpass is not built. The 29-year-old popular Ghanaian-British fashion model Adwoa Caitlin Maria Aboah is Monday-born. So whenever you hear a female ga girl called Ashami it means she is the sixth female child. Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Men of the lineage live together in a men's compound, while women, even after marriage, live with their mothers and children in a women's compound. 2. Find the complete details of Akwele name on BabyNamesCube, the most trusted source for baby name meaning, numerology, origins, similar names and more! Nii Funny. : Tribal names. The most widely spoken local languages are, Ga, Dagomba, Akan and Ewe. The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. According researcher and author Priscilla Akua Boakye, "[Dipo] was a form of vocational training for young women in which they were taught generally how to assume their roles as responsible women." Akosua is the name for girls born on a Sunday. Abena Pronounced: ah-be-nah Meaning: Born on a Thursday Best For: Female 2. Apparently, this family were smiths by trade and had an excellent reputation. They are the Ga Mashie settlement (the oldest settlers); the Teshie settlement (known to be the last settlers); the Osu(Christiansburg), La(Labadi), Tema and Nungua settlements. 35. Read More Esi One who is born on Sunday. Some have and continue to receive negative comments and criticism for their stagecraft. Same goes for Akuorkor. Ghanaian boy names and Ghanaian girl names are from many different ethnic groups, like the Akans. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Ghana Baby Names & Meaning Names Gender Numerology Audio Save Name Comment Aba Ababuo Abam Abba Abeeku Abeeku Abena Abla Addae Addae Adeben Adika Adika Adjoa Adofo Adom Adowa Adusa Adwoa Afafa Afi Afia Afryea Afua Agyei Lineage members generally return to the traditional lineage home from the Huza farms several times a year to participate in the festivals of their lineage gods. .. Yen.com.gh recently reported about the Ga-adangbe tribe which is also known as Ga-Dangme, GaDangme, Ga-Adampa, Ga-Adangme or Ga-Danmel. Even Jamaica has it! 6. The West African nation of Ghana has a culture that is a blend of the cultures of the various ethnic groups residing in the country. September Month Inspired Baby Names: 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know, Baby Names, Horoscope Traits & Qualities of Babies Born in June Month, Names, Horoscope, Traits & Qualities of Babies Born in April Month, Horoscope Traits, Qualities, and Facts about Babies Born in March : Babynamescube.com, Horoscope Traits, Qualities and Facts about Babies Born in February, January Baby Names: Top 50 Names Boys and Girls Born in January, 5 Interesting Facts about December Born Baby Names | Christmas Baby Names. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the enslaved people from modern day Ghana in the Caribbean were referred to as Coromantees. All rights reserved. The Dangbe people from Odumase - Krobo also Celebrate the [Ngmayem] festival, An Annual Harvest festival to Celebrate the bounty harvest of their farmers is celebrated by the Krobo people throughout the last week (Seven days) of October with a visit to their famous Ancestral home, the Krobo Mountains [Kloyom] on the last Friday of October with a climax on the Saturday with a grand Durbar of Chiefs and People of the Krobo Traditional Area. With it, at least the first names are complete. This is because the word Friday is a combination of two words in Aka which are Fi (meaning home) and Da (meaning day). It includes places like Labadi , Osu , Teshie, Nungua, Korle Gonno, Chorkor etc. At the durbar, greetings are exchanged between the chiefs, libations are poured and declarations of allegiance are made. 6. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2. Coffins are usually crafted to reflect an essence of the deceased in forms such as a character trait, an occupation, or a symbol of one's standing in the community. 10. Cina Soul Cina Soul was born Christie Quincyna Quarcoopome and enjoys a healthy repute as the next queen of soul. The language is very rich in proverbs, the use of which is taken to be a sign of wisdom. According to this ethnic group, the names are based on the day of the week the child was born. Furthermore, the Akan have names for the order in which children are born. Tsotsoo is the name given to every forth female child from the Ga community. Kwame (male) Amma (female) Gods Rest Day.. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. They are very inquisitive and tend to be pulled into a thing of interest. They may have merged with the Ewe migrants at . Adwoa (Ghanaian origin) means "one born on a Monday". Its about giving newborn babies a special name based on the day of the week they are born. Death of Husband If a child is born soon after the husbands death the child does not take on the serial name and will be given a special name Now every first born child has it own name, so as the second child , third child , forth child and it goes on and on. The 29-year-old popular Ghanaian-British fashion model Adwoa Caitlin Maria Aboah is Monday-born. They are accompanied by traditional military groups called 'Asafo Companies' amidst drumming, singing and dancing through the streets and on the durbar grounds. This is due to the Ghanaian day names tradition, one of the many ceremonies and customs that take place in Ghana. If, for example, a couple has a desired a child after a long time, the name Nhyira , which means Gods blessing, is not uncommon. The naming of a child by Dagombas in Northern Ghana usually happens on the 8th day after birth. Heres your need-to-know guide. Joseph Oscar Mettle, the only Gospel Artist to have won the prestigious VGMAs overall Artiste of the Year, has become a household name when it comes to Gospel music in Ghana. Is one of the sweetest female day names in Ghana. In his study of Ghanaian personal names, Adjah [3] indicates that, Ewe, Akan, and Ga children are named according to the day on which they are born. The fishing community of Bukom on the outskirts of Accra, is considered as the mecca of boxing in Ghana and has produced several notable boxers. The name implies a pioneering spirit. Religious name (either Christian or Muslim), UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (Kofi = male for born on a Friday), Ghanas First President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (Kwame = male for born on a Saturday), Writer Ama Ata Aidoo (Ama = female name for born on Saturday and Ata shows that she is a twin). 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. G a- baby names and what they mean, with 36 results. Kwa is used as a form of time keeping. . They consist of Ga-Mashie and Gaspeaker, who migrated from Akwapim, Anecho in Togo, Akwamu. Content created and supplied by: AdroitNaa (via Opera You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. So, what if several siblings are born on the same day of the week? Surnames. The area is centered at approximately 2 W. longitude and 5 N. latitude. After Ayokor comes Kaa. Every child has it own name relating to the day he or she was born. Just like any African culture, Ghanaian Females have names that are peculiar to them. Day names. He was the founder of, Odartei Mills Lamptey, popularly known as, This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 12:49. We wanted to share a few (and maybe you get inspired and name your next child with an Akan name! Accra became the most prominent Ga-Dangme towns and is now the heartbeat and capital of Ghana. As their name; there are the Ga people and the Adangbe people. Ghana Festivals National Holidays Presidents and Head of State of Ghana President of Ghana Busia and Edward Akufo Addo President of Ghana - Jerry Rawlings President of Ghana - (Formals) - Hilla Limann President of Ghana Nana Addo President of Ghana John Kufuor President of Ghana Atta Mills Fetish names. However, the major tribes in Ghana are Akan and Ewe which form about 60% of the population. Of course thats not all. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. InAshantihomes, Sunday-born males and females are named Kwasi or Kwesi and Akosua respectively (meaning associated with the universe); Monday-born are Kwadwo or Kojo, Adjoa orAdwoa(meaning associated with peace); Tuesday-born are Kwabena or Kobi, Abena (meaning associated with the ocean); Wednesday-born Kwaku or Kweku, Akua (meaning associated with spider/Ananse); Thursday-born Yaw, Yaa ( meaning associated with the earth); Friday-born Kofi, Afia or Afua (meaning associated with fertility); and Saturday-born Kwame, Ama (meaning associated with God).