Ama

Meaning & Etymology

Born on a Saturday

The female Akan day-name for Saturday, the counterpart to Kwame.

Cultural Context

Born on a Saturday

Etymology

The name ‘Ama’ is derived from the Akan day-naming tradition, where ‘Ama’ specifically refers to a female born on a Saturday.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Kwa > Potou-Tano > Tano > Central Tano > Akan

In Akan culture, names are closely tied to the day of the week a person is born. ‘Ama’ is part of this tradition, reflecting the importance of the day of birth in determining one’s identity and destiny.

Symbolism

‘Ama’ symbolizes the day of the week, Saturday, which is associated with the deity ‘Ama-Ofori’ in Akan tradition, signifying a connection to the spiritual realm and community.

Naming ceremony

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

Related names

• Kwame (male born on Saturday)
• Aba (female born on Thursday)
• Kofi (male born on Friday)
• Yaa (female born on Thursday)