Akossiwa
/ ah-koh-see-wah /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇹🇬 Togo
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Traditional
Meaning & Etymology
one who is born on Saturday
one who is born on Saturday
Etymology
The name is derived from the Ewe words eko (Saturday) and siwa (to be born).
Linguistic family: Niger-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 choice of name. Saturday-born children are associated with the deity ‘Kpeto’ and are believed to possess unique qualities.
Symbolism
The name ‘Akossiwa’ symbolises the connection to the day of birth and the associated cultural and spiritual significance in Ewe tradition.
Naming ceremony
The Ewe naming ceremony, known as ‘Viɖɔƒia’, typically takes place on the eighth day after birth. During this ceremony, the child is formally named and introduced to the community.