Afraba

Meaning & Etymology

Born on Tuesday

Born on Tuesday

Etymology

The name ‘Afraba’ is derived from the Ewe words ‘Efle’ (Tuesday) and ‘gba’ (to be born), literally meaning ‘born on Tuesday’.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Gbe

Cultural context

In Ewe culture, the day of the week on which a child is born is significant and often influences the child’s name. Tuesday, or ‘Efle’, is associated with the god ‘Sogbla’, and children born on this day are believed to possess certain traits linked to this deity.

Symbolism

The name ‘Afraba’ symbolises the day of the week the individual was born and is believed to influence their personality and destiny, connecting them to the spiritual significance of Tuesday in Ewe tradition.

Naming ceremony

The Ewe naming ceremony, known as ‘Vihehe’, typically takes place on the eighth day after the child’s birth. During this ceremony, the child is officially named and introduced to the community and ancestors.

Related names

• Kodzo (male born on Monday)
• Kuku (female born on Wednesday)
• Yawa (female born on Thursday)