What Your Birth Day Says About You (According to Ghanaian Tradition)

What is yours, but is it used by everyone else more than you?

I’ll give you a minute …

The answer? Your name.

Think about it. Everybody out there refers to you by your name. But you? You only use it, say, when filling in your details in a form. Other than that, you hardly use your name.

But what’s in a name?

William Shakespeare, in Act 2 Scene 2 of the play Romeo and Juliet, asks “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

But how accurate is that? Or rather, do you believe that names carry no significance in our lives, beyond being mere placeholders?

Do you believe that the name you give your child has no (even tiny) bearing on how their life pans out?

Anyway, different communities around the continent have their own naming systems.

For example, in my community, a child is given a name depending on:

Time of day they were born (morning, afternoon, evening or night).
The place they were born (by the roadside, in the house).
Weather season they were born (drought, rainy season) etc.

I find that fascinating, as it goes a long way to add colour to life.

By virtue of your name, you can, throughout your life, remain aware of the circumstances surrounding your birth and live by them.

The Akan people of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo are a special case.

Why? Because they name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. And that’s what we’ll focus on today.

Monday (Jowda)

Monday is the first day of the week – and I assume people need strength to start the week after having a long weekend of enjoyment - therefore, children who are born on this day are associated with determination.

Kojo/Kwadwo - Boys born on Monday are known as Kojo or Kwadwo and are seen as strong.
Adjoa/Adwoa - Girls born on Monday are known as Adjoa or Adwoa and are seen as dependable.

Tuesday (Benada)

Tuesday is the day of the week that’s associated with energy – I’d assume because, by then, you have already adapted to the work-week, and so, you have the energy to go through it – therefore, children who are born on this day are said to have a vibrant spirit.

Kwabena - Boys born on Tuesday are known as Kwabena and are seen as adventurous.
Abena - Girls born on Tuesday are known as Abena and are seen as enthusiastic.

Wednesday (Wukuda)

Wednesday is the day of the week that’s associated with wisdom, and therefore, children who are born on this day are associated with wisdom.

Kwaku - Boys born on Wednesday are known as Kwaku and are considered to be wise.
Akua - Girls born on Wednesday are known as Akua and are considered to be curious.

Thursday (Yahwada)

Thursday is the day of the week that’s associated with patience – I’d assume patience for the weekend hehe – therefore, children who are born on this day are associated with composure.

Yaw - Boys born on Thursday are known as Yaw and are seen as patient and reliable.
Yaa - Girls born on Thursday are known as Yaa and are seen as calm.

Friday (Fida)

Friday is the day of the week that’s associated with beauty and charm; therefore, children who are born on this day are associated with attractiveness.

Kofi - Boys born on Friday are known as Kofi and are known for their attractiveness.
Afia - Girls born on Friday are known as Afia and are known for their beauty.

Saturday (Memeneda)

Saturday is the day of the week in Ghana when people work hard, therefore, children who are born on this day are associated with a strong work ethic.

Kwame - Boys born on Saturday are known as Kwame and are known for their perseverance.
Ama - Girls born on Saturday are known as Ama and are known for being hardworking.

Sunday (Kwesida)

According to the Bible, Sunday is the day of rest, therefore, children who are born on this day, too, are associated with calmness.

Kwasi – Boys born on Sunday are named Kwasi and are known for being peaceful.
Akosua – Girls born on Sunday are named Akosua and are known for being gentle.

With that in mind, what would your name be if you were born in Ghana?

And beyond that, what does your own name mean in your culture? Do you have a naming tradition in your family or community that you find fascinating?

Hit reply and share. I’d love to hear your stories!