Tawiah

Meaning & Etymology

Ninth born child

Ninth born child

Etymology

Derived from the Akan word tawa, meaning ‘nine’, with the suffix -iah indicating order of birth.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Kwa > Potou-Tano > Akanic

Cultural context

In Akan culture, the name Tawiah is given to the ninth-born child, reflecting the importance of birth order in the community. It is part of a naming system that assigns specific names to children based on their position in the family.

Symbolism

Tawiah symbolises the continuation of the family lineage and the importance of each child in the Akan community. It reflects the cultural value placed on family and the recognition of the ninth position in the birth order.

Naming ceremony

The Akan naming ceremony, called outdooring, typically occurs on the eighth day after birth. During this ceremony, the child is formally named and introduced to the community. For a ninth-born child, the name Tawiah would be announced and celebrated.

Related names

• Adwoa (first born female)
• Kwabena (second born male)
• Yaa (fourth born female)
• Afua (fifth born female)